Carlos Alberto Pinto Fonseca (1933-2006): investigating the development of a Brazilian school of conducting

• Grant number: 17/01991-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2017
• End date: July 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Linguistics, Literature and Arts - Arts - Music
• Principal Investigator: Susana Cecilia Almeida Igayara de Souza
• Grantee: Caio Arcolini Jacoe
• Host Institution: Escola de Comunicações e Artes (ECA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this scientific initiation research project is to analyze the trajectory and legacy of Carlos Alberto Pinto Fonseca, one of the most renowned 20th century Brazilian conductors and composers. As a conductor, he headed Ars Nova, the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Choir, for 40 years. Ars Nova is listed among the most internationally awarded choirs of its time. This project makes use of a mixed methodology, comprised of a literature review, semi-directive interviews and fieldwork observation of choir rehearsal sessions, based on a protocol developed as part of the research project. Data will be discussed and problematized via comparative methods and qualitative analysis, drawing from well-established literature in the specific area of concern, from both a methodological as well as a historical standpoint. Conceptually speaking, this project aims to interrogate the adequacy of the notion behind "conducting styles or patterns" and its applicability to Pinto Fonseca's work. As a result, it intends to foster the discussion around choral repertoire practice and propagation in Brazil. More broadly, it will contribute to enhance the current knowledge of choral singing and conducting history in Brazil through the discussion of Fonseca's professional trajectory and the permanency and/or revival of his techniques by his pupils. (AU)