An Overview of Almeida Prado's "Transtonal" System in his Cartas Celestes, First Six Volumes, for Piano Solo

Abstract

This study attempts to demonstrate the singular synthesis of influences and compositional techniques represented by the work Cartas Celestes (Celestial Maps) for piano by José Antonio Rezende de Almeida Prado (born in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, on February 8, 1943). Although Almeida Prado, clearly one of the more influential Brazilian composers, wrote a vast repertoire for all genres, his piano works are fundamental throughout his compositional career. This significant body of work allows one to track his evolution as a composer and to define the changing characteristics of his style within the different phases of his trajectory. This study will examine Cartas Celestes Volumes IVI, Almeida Prado's most important work for piano solo, with particular attention to Volume I. This document will also discuss "Transtonalism," the "System of Organized Resonances," and the Twenty-Four chords, all created by him. The examination of Cartas Celestes Volume I will focus on Almeida Prado's innovative compositional devices and techniques. In addition, this study will investigate the most important aspects of Almeida Prado's music, including timbre exploration and the use of the piano with emphasis on touch, attacks, pedaling, pianistic gestures, and technique.