Francisco Mignone became a leading figure in the Brazilian music scene after his return in 1929 following lengthy studies in Europe. His four Fantasias Brasileiras for piano and orchestra are part of his nationalist phase, with the first in the cycle initiated by soloist João de Souza Lima, who asked Mignone for a work with Brazilian flavour. These works share a festive and exuberant style to which the composer would return in his Burlesca e Toccata, which requires acrobatic virtuosity from the soloist in music that surprises by juxtaposing atonality with popular themes.

This release follows on from our recording of Mignone’s complete Violin Sonatas (Naxos 8574595) regarded as ‘post-war modernism at its most playful’ in The Strad. Mignone’s Concertos and Concertinos (8574573) appeared in July 2024 and was given a five-star rating in Pizzicato, in which it was summed up as ‘definitely an album worth listening to’. MusicWeb International also remarked that, ‘The hope must be that the Naxos “Music of Brazil” series will be revisiting this rewarding composer soon.’

With ‘nuanced sensitivity, radical ecstasy and astonishing technical virtuosity’ (Süddeutsche Zeitung) pianist Fabio Martino has made a name for himself on the international music scene with his interpretations, which are loved by audiences and highly praised by specialist critics. His recital album for OehmsClassics (OC427) was considered ‘both terrific and memorable’ by the American Record Guide.

Giancarlo Guerrero has been a frequent guest conductor in North America, performing with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and the orchestras of Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle, among others. Internationally, he has led orchestras across Europe, New Zealand and Australia. The 2024/25 season marks Guerrero’s sixteenth and final season as music director of the Nashville Symphony, with whom he released 21 commercial recordings, garnering 13 Grammy nominations and 6 Grammy Awards. Guerrero served as music director designate of Sarasota Orchestra in 2024/25, and became music director in the 2025/26 season.