Egberto Gismonti
Egberto Gismonti
1973
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
The album Egberto Gismonti, released in 1973, represents a fundamental milestone in the multi-instrumentalist's early discography, consolidating a musical approach that would become his signature. In this work, Gismonti's refined classical training finds a clear and expressive integration with rich Brazilian popular language and instrumental experimentation, resulting in a unique and multifaceted sound. Moving away from simplistic classifications, the record navigates between elements of chamber music, jazz and instrumental song, all permeated by an already deeply personal harmonic writing. It stands out as a transitional album, entirely authorial, anticipating the audacity and radicality that Egberto Gismonti would develop in later phases of his career, yet already revealing the genius of an artist breaking with conventional structures in search of more complex and innovative instrumental creation.
Context
Egberto Gismonti, born in 1947 into a musical family in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, began his piano studies at the age of five, also encompassing flute, clarinet, and classical guitar at the Conservatório Brasileiro de Música. His training was further deepened in Paris, where he studied dodecaphonic music with Jean Barraqué and musical analysis with the legendary Nadia Boulanger, who encouraged him to root his expression in the richness of Brazilian culture. After releasing his first eponymous LP in 1969 and other works that flirted with bossa nova, the 1970s marked a period of intense research and experimentation for Gismonti, with a growing focus on instrumental music. In 1973, the artist would transition to the eight-string guitar, seeking to expand the instrument's sonic possibilities through new tunings and timbres.
Recording
The album Egberto Gismonti was released by the Odeon label in 1973, with production by Milton Miranda and assistance from Geraldo Carneiro. Musical direction was handled by the renowned Maestro Gaya, with conducting by Mario Tavares and sound engineering by Z.J. Merky. Despite the presence of other talented instrumentalists, the original LP's technical credits are notable for not individually crediting the participating musicians, mentioning only a general thank you, which, in a way, highlights the central character of Gismonti's vision in the work. It is known that Egberto Gismonti played piano, classical guitar, voice, percussion, and wooden flutes, with contributions from names such as Ion Muniz on flute, Tenório Júnior on electric piano, Paulo Moura on saxophone, and Novelli and Edson Lobo on double bass.
Songs
The album's musical essence evokes a sense of haunting and nostalgic messages, elements that would become recurrent in Gismonti's work. Tracks such as the opener, 'Luzes da Ribalta', and the moving 'Memória e Fado', both with lyrics by Geraldo Carneiro, present familiar structures but with a singular and displaced harmonic treatment. The instrumental work gains prominence in pieces such as the 'Academia de Dança' suite, which groups small compositions like 'Dança dos Homens' and 'Dança das Sombras' into an almost suite-like sequence. The pianist's more virtuosic and 'transcendental' side emerges in 'Tango'. In 'Encontro no Bar', another collaboration with Geraldo Carneiro, the album resumes its 'haunting quality'. The record delves deeper into its classical training with 'Adagio', a sentimental piece with engaging orchestration and a melody reminiscent of a piano concerto. 'Variações Sobre um Tema de Léo Brouwer' demonstrates a grand construction, including a beautiful quotation from 'Cravo e Canela', by Clube da Esquina. The album is rounded off by 'Salvador', an intriguing synthesis between Brazilian pulse and complex harmonic architecture, described as a 'Badenian, warm, and Brazilian' piece.
Legacy
Since its release, Egberto Gismonti was recognised with the Golden Record award in Brazil, a testament to its immediate impact. Interestingly, the EMI/Odeon label initially expressed hesitation, even considering the album a work 'outside of any category', with an experimental and expensive production for the time. However, time would consecrate it as one of the artist's most important works. This work is frequently cited as one of Gismonti's best albums and an essential gateway to understanding his output in the 70s. Its pioneering fusion of classical, popular, and experimental elements laid the foundations for the musician's stylistic evolution, which, although transitional, is seen as entirely authorial and a precursor to the more radical phase of his career. The album continues to be an object of study and homage, as evidenced by the tribute 'Heart of Brazil' by multi-instrumentalist Eddie Daniels, which celebrates songs from Gismonti's classic Odeon/EMI albums of the early 70s.
Tracks
Credits
Egberto Gismonti
Mario Tavares
Egberto Gismonti
Lindolfo Gaya
Egberto Gismonti
Milton Miranda
Geraldo E. Carneiro
Egberto Gismonti, Geraldo E. Carneiro
Z. J. Merky
Jorge Teixeira
Cafi, Ronaldo Bastos
Cafi
Analyses
Egberto Gismonti review by RambIes - Album of The Year
albumoftheyear.org
Already, Gismonti showcases a wide range of talent, elements of jazz and samba are meshed pretty well here, and his singing is really pleasant to listen to as well.
progressive music reviews: Brazilian Genius Egberto Gismonti ... - Blogger
progressreview.blogspot.com
Brazilian Genius Egberto Gismonti's First Five from 1969 to 1973
Egberto Gismonti (1973) by Egberto Gismonti - Record Club
record.club
Track, rate, review and compile lists of your favorite releases with a community of other music fans.
MUSICA&SOM: Egberto Gismonti - Arvore (1973)
tabernanovostempos.blogspot.com
We turn to Egberto Gismonti, composer, multi-instrumentalist and one of the most renowned composers, a figure who provides a wealth of performances. We have this rare album recorded in 1973, already re-released on CD but always difficult to find.
Egberto Gismonti (1973) | Toque Musical
toque-musicall.com
We join Egberto Gismonti, a composer, multi-instrumentalist and one of the most renowned arrangers, a figure who needs no further introduction. We have from him this rare album, recorded in 1973, already re-released on CD, but always difficult to find.
Discogs
Egberto Gismonti – Discogs
discogs.com