Joly Braga Santos (1924–88) was one of the most important composers in twentieth-century Portugal. In his early works his fondness for modal harmony, absorbed from the Portuguese masters of the Renaissance, and his busy counterpoint combine to make him sound surprisingly close to such particularly English composers as Vaughan Williams and Moeran. Although his harmonic language became more astringent with time, it retained a burly sense of humour and a powerful charge of energy, often infused with the spirit of Portuguese folk-dance. This final volume of the Toccata Classics survey of his chamber music brings a varied programme of instrumental duos and a trio – some of them innocent, some lyrical, some dark – almost all in their first recordings. One of the composer’s two daughters is among the fine Portuguese musicians performing here.

“...For me, the cherry on the cake is the Sextet, in which the composer’s modal lyricism has been enriched by new harmonic thinking and employment of chromaticism...All three works are superbly performed, with energy and true passion.” – Gramophone, March 2020 (Vol.1: TOCC0207)

“The performances leave nothing to be desired. Quarteto Lopes-Graça clearly relish this vibrant music, as well they might...They are beautifully recorded, signaling a strong start to a series that promises to bring important chamber music to our attention.” – Fanfare, Sept/Oct 2020 (Vol.2: TOCC0428)