Diplomacy and Cultural Policy in Brazil (1964-1975): The Case of Ritmata and Momentos I

Abstract

This article addresses two compositions written for solo guitar in 1974: Ritmata and Momentos I by composers Edino Krieger (b. 1928) and Marlos Nobre (b. 1939), respectively. These works were published and distributed abroad, apparently with the support of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs which had been mediated by guitarist Turíbio Santos (b. 1943). Part of this work aims to historically map the cultural policies for Brazilian music between 1964 and 1975. In addition, it seeks to compare these policies to the guidelines for the diffusion of musical works abroad based on the understanding of cultural diplomacy implemented by Itamaraty. As a research strategy, we consulted official documents and attempted to establish a dialogue with specialized bibliography. Secondly, we conducted a panoramic examination of the work’s scores based on musicological analyses, in order to identify and evaluate their most distinctive musical elements. Finally, the research aims to compare the goals of the cultural policies and cultural diplomacy related to music with the most evident characteristics of the works published. These research fronts indicate new possibilities for understanding the relationship between music and Brazilian national identity during the second half of the twentieth century.

Keywords

• Políticas culturais para a música no Brasil
• diplomacia cultural brasileira
• identidade nacional
• repertório para violão
• Ritmata
• Momentos I.