Composer of the Month 7/2011: Carlos Gomes   (selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Brasil 11.7.1986 The Brazilian composer Carlos Gomes was born on 07/11/1836 in Campinas. During his music studies he proved himself so talented that Emperor Pedro II sent him to Italy for further studies. Here Gomes made acquaintance with the opera and Giuseppe Verdi. Gomes composed primarily for the musical theater and his opera "Il Guarani" had a resounding successon at Milan's La Scala on 19/03/1870. Dom Pedro II had the work translated from Italian into Portuguese and performed it for his birthday in Rio de Janeiro. Since then "Il Guarani" applies as Brazil's national opera. After the proclamation of the Republic Carlos Gomes moved to Belém, where he spent several years as Director of the Conservatory. Carlos Gomes died in Belém do Pará on 09/16/1896. His birth anniversary comes up again for the 175th time in July 2011. The video shows Adriane Queiroz and Richard Bauer with the duett "Sento una forza indomita" from the first Act of the opera "Il Guarani" (performed at Belém Opera House in 2007) More composer can be found in the members only section