Cantata de Natal “O Pássaro Azul”

Abstract

The Christmas Cantata O Pássaro Azu - composed on poems by António Arnaut (1936-2018) taken from O Pássaro Azul - Contos e Poemas de Natal published in 1998 by Coimbra Editora - is a choral-symphonic work of great dimensions, both in its number and its duration (ca. 1:30). In its instrumentation, besides the usual instruments of the orchestra, we also find the Guitarra de Coimbra, soul of our Coimbra song, metaphor of our portugality. With the support of the Guarantee Cultur programme, the time has come to give wing to the blue bird of A. Arnaut, in homage not only to all the artists who suffered so much with the pandemic, but also to the bravery of the National Health Service, in the hope that his words may appeal to the deepest and most heartfelt humanity within each one of us. It is hoped that this publication may contribute to a greater richness of the Portuguese immaterial heritage, both poetic and musical, and that it may include as many Portuguese orchestras and choirs as possible, in order to bring the implicit tributes to all the stages in our country.