De Araújo: Organ Music

Soares, Rui Fernando

97076

Pedro de Araújo (c. 1640-1705) was a Portuguese organist and composer who worked with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Braga, northern Portugal. He was singing master at the Conciliar Seminary of St. Peter and St. Paul in Braga between 1663 and 1668, and second organist at Braga Cathedral until 1665. Like Juan Cabanilles Barberà (1644-1712), he was one of the last representatives of the traditional Iberian organ style.

Araújo's organ works are characterized by their intricate ornamentation, expressive harmonies, and rhythmic vitality. They evoke a sense of spiritual grandeur, often being performed in sacred settings. His compositions, such as the Tento and the Batalha, continue to be celebrated for their beauty and historical significance, serving as a window into the musical treasures of 17th-century Portugal.

Played on the Manuel Benito Gómez de Herrera organ (1739) at the Mosteiro de Arouca, Portugal, a fine historical instrument perfectly suited to this music. The technical details of the organ are included in the booklet.

Rui Fernando Soares is one of the foremost keyboard players of Portugal. In 2008 he attended at the International Organ Festival of Haarlem (Netherlands) where he worked with Prof. Bernard Winsemius. In 2012 he concluded his Master's degree in Early Music at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with a “Cum Laude” distinction. There he studied organ with Prof. Pieter van Dijk and harpsichord with Prof. Tileman Gay. At the same time, he studied under the guidance of Prof. Ton Koopman.
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CD x 1

Brilliant Classics

1/19/24

5028421970769