A Morte do Bode Tião

A Morte do Bode Tião (2023) is a spirited work for solo clarinet, percussion, and string orchestra, commissioned by the Orquestra de Ouro Preto. The composition is inspired by the vibrant tradition of Literatura de Cordel—a form of popular Brazilian folk poetry. The name "cordel" refers to the "strings" or clotheslines from which these small, woodcut-illustrated pamphlets are hung in open-air markets. Known for its rhymed verses and rhythmic recitation, this literary form serves as the rhythmic and narrative blueprint for the music, blending classical structures with the theatrical soul of the Brazilian Northeast.

In this musical adaptation, the clarinet acts as a melodic storyteller, capturing the wit and cadence of the poetic verse. Supported by the driving textures of the percussion and the versatile backdrop of the string orchestra, the piece translates the humor and drama of the original tale into a sophisticated sonic landscape. It stands as a tribute to regional heritage, transforming the legendary figure of "Bode Tião" into a lively dialogue between traditional folk identity and contemporary orchestral expression.

A Morte Do Bode Tião can be performed with or without the declamation of the cordel.