A Urtiga was born from the friendship of two musicians and the fusion of two journeys: one of us has been dedicated to songwriting and poetry, while the other is devoted to the viola braguesa, a traditional Portuguese instrument, which he approaches from a fresh perspective.
A Urtiga draws its influences and inspirations from the four great singer-songwriters of Portuguese music—José Afonso, José Mário Branco, Sérgio Godinho, and Fausto; from Chico Buarque; from Léo Brouwer, Carlos Paredes, Radiohead, Frank Zappa, and Thelonious Monk.
The Uirapuru Trio delves into the exquisite realms of late Romantic and early 20th-century French music by interpreting works from Ernest Chausson and Gabriel Fauré, two iconic composers known for their rich harmonies, lyrical elegance, and emotional depth. Their music often bridges the worlds of Romantic expressiveness and early Impressionistic subtleties, offering a compelling mix of technical refinement and poignant beauty.
Adding a unique layer to this exploration is a distinctly Portuguese contribution through a piece by António Fragoso, a composer whose music reflects the lush, late Romantic idiom, yet infused with Portuguese sensitivity and lyricism. Fragoso’s work, though tragically cut short by his untimely death, carries echoes of European influence while resonating with a distinct national character.