Marcos Antonio da Fonseca Portugal (1762–1830), one of the most celebrated composers of his time, was born in Lisbon, Portugal, and displayed musical talent from an early age. He began his studies at the Patriarchal Seminary and was already composing and performing in Lisbon’s churches by the age of 14. His early promise paved the way for an extraordinary career that would span two continents.
In the 1790s, Portugal moved to Italy, where he immersed himself in the rich operatic traditions of Venice and Florence. It was here that he gained widespread recognition, composing operas that earned him fame and respect across Europe. His return to Lisbon marked a significant chapter in his life, as he took the helm of the São Carlos Opera House, where he composed Il Demofonte in 1808 — one of his most notable works.
The political upheaval of the Napoleonic Wars soon brought dramatic changes. In 1811, at the request of Prince Regent John, Portugal followed the royal court to Brazil, after the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon’s invasion. In Rio de Janeiro, Portugal became the official court composer of the newly formed United Kingdom of Brazil and Portugal. There, he shifted his focus primarily to sacred music, serving the court faithfully even after Brazil declared independence in 1821. Remarkably, he remained in Brazil until his death in 1830. Among his many achievements, Portugal composed the first national anthems of both Portugal and Brazil, cementing his legacy as a musical figure of historical importance.
The overture Il Demofonte may be getting its first performance since 1808 this weekend, thanks to the Foothills Philharmonic Orchestra. Their conductor, Duarte Silva, carefully transcribed the music from an old manuscript, bringing this long-forgotten piece back to life for today’s audiences. The overture offers a charming glimpse into early 19th-century Italian opera, starting with a graceful slow introduction before launching into a lively allegro filled with three playful themes, two contrasting sections, and a rousing, fanfare-style ending — all of which hint at the sparkling style Rossini would make famous just a few decades later.
The Foothills Philharmonic Orchestra performs in Okotoks and High River.
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