Embracing incoherence: perspectives on the performance of Almeida Prado's fourteen nocturnes

This dissertation lecture-recital delves into the interpretation of Almeida Prado's fourteen Nocturnes. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes an investigation of the composer's output and musical philosophy, postmodernist ideology, comparison of currently available scores of the fourteen Nocturnes, and analysis of the composer's writing and use of borrowed material, this study evaluates the intersection between these categories to provide examples of a musical interpretation process that goes beyond reading the scores. The findings of this research indicate that Almeida Prado's attitude towards the performance of his works encourages performers to engage in a creative search for sound and emotional expression, rather than a literal interpretation of his writing. Furthermore, the currently available scores contain inaccuracies that require attention from performers and welcome possible new editions. Lastly, in accordance with postmodernist thought, Prado's borrowings and distortions of well-known source materials can be approached by the performer in contrasting manners. Overall, this dissertation lecture-recital makes a valuable contribution to the dissemination of Almeida Prado's music outside of Brazil, as well as to the interpretation of Prado's musical thought and the fourteen Nocturnes in particular. It provides insights and recommendations for performers and scholars of Almeida Prado's music, and highlights the significance of a multidisciplinary approach to musical interpretation.