Edino Krieger (1928–2022) was a leading figure in Brazilian music as both composer and arts director who influenced a generation of his compatriots during his long life. Krieger’s works can be divided into three phases: serial, neo-Classical, and a fascinating synthesis of traditionalism and the avant-garde. From the second category comes the transitional Variações Elementares whereas his final creative phase, his peak of artistic maturity, is represented by the remainder of the programme. Included is one of his most emblematic pieces, Canticum Naturale, an expansive Amazonian painting in sound, and the virtuosic and expressive Ludus Symphonicus.

Neil Thomson has been principal conductor and artistic director of the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra since 2014, leading the orchestra to national prominence with its championing of Brazilian and contemporary repertoire. They have recently recorded the music of Claudio Santoro on 8574410, which was hailed as ‘An utterly fascinating and unique disc’ by The Art Music Lounge.

Vol. 2 of Santoro’s complete symphonies on 8574406 is admired by Gramophone: ‘These impressive and rarely heard works are all played with absolute conviction and panache by the Goiás Philharmonic under Neil Thomson, and the recordings are crystal-clear’.

Their recording of César Guerra-Peixe’s music can be heard on 8573925: ‘Neil Thomson leads some sparkling performances from the Goiás Philharmonic, and the engineering allows instrumental detail to shine through’ (Gramophone).