Francisco Mignone

Brazilian composer Francisco Mignone (1897-1986).
The colourful and evocative works of Mignone provides many interesting insights into the cultural currents in Brazil during the 20th century. The son of Italian immigrants and raised in a musical environment dominated by Italian influences, Mignone also studied in Milan, and his first works were conducted by European 'icons' such as Respighi (a source of inspiration) and Richard Strauss. But the Italian traits in his early production was condemned by the author and important cultural theoretician Mario de Andrade, who convinced Mignone of the need for the arts to contribute to the building of a national identity - brasilidade. The composer, who had already shown an interest in the musical traditions of the former slaves in Brazil, thus began to write music in a 'nationalistic' vein.