Noble et sentimental: Pedro de Freitas Branco e a interpretação da música de Maurice Ravel

Pedro de Freitas Branco (1896-1963) was one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Portuguese music. Throughout his career, he revitalised the Portuguese music scene by creating various opera companies, organising the New Symphonic Concerts in Lisbon, and serving as the conductor of the Orquestra Sinfónica da Emissora Nacional. He also developed an international career, regularly conducting different European orchestras and being regarded as a leading interpreter of Maurice Ravel's orchestral music. This book examines the reasons behind the recognition of Freitas Branco's interpretations of Ravel’s works. It also seeks to explore the aesthetic dialogue between the two men and how this was fundamental to Freitas Branco’s interpretations. Additionally, it seeks to understand why Ravel might have prioritised  Freitas Branco's interpretations and approach, and how this compares with other performances of Ravel’s music at the time, thus defining Freitas Branco’s unique identity as an interpreter.