Order & Progress

Since Brazil gained independence 200 years ago, its composers have enriched both classical and jazz worldwide, as Mervyn Cooke relates

- Mervyn Cooke

Brazil’s national motto, Ordem e Progresso (Order and Progress), is emblazoned across the centre of its flag, and perfectly encapsulates the nation’s indomitable efforts to harness its natural and cultural resources to the rigours of the modern world. With the 200th anniversary of Brazil’s declaration of independence from the former United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, it seems timely to assess the musical developments the country has seen during those two centuries, when with the same spirit of ‘order and progress’ it forged its own identity in the concert hall, and developed globally successful pop and jazz styles with the vibrancy of its folk and popular musical traditions.