Brevidade, intensidade e simplicidade na música coral de Tom K : uma proposta interpretativa dos Madrigais espirituais

Abstract

Antônio Carlos Batista Pinto Coelho (1953-2023), better known as Tom K, was a professor, choir conductor, composer, and arranger who wrote instrumental and vocal works performed both in Brazil and abroad. However, according to academic database searches, no studies on his work have been found to date. Choral music plays a significant role in Tom K’s body of work, which he idiosyncratically defines as BIS (Brief, Intense, and Simple). Between arrangements and compositions, he wrote over two hundred pieces for choirs, using biblical texts, popular and regional Brazilian songs, as well as his own lyrics. The general objective of this research was to investigate Tom K’s sacred works written for equal voices (TTBB), identifying their characteristic elements to establish references for performers, including conductors and choristers. The specific objectives are: (1) to conduct a survey highlighting sacred and secular compositions, both a cappella and accompanied; (2) to analyze the Madrigais Espirituais (TTBB), proposing interpretative strategies; (3) to report and reflect on the interpretative process. This exploratory research aimed to contribute to the documentation of the choral music repertoire produced in the state of Paraíba. Despite being known among conductors and choirs and being promoted through some projects, this repertoire is still underexplored and rarely performed. The results indicate that Tom K’s choral literature includes sacred works for equal voices (TTBB) with distinctive elements, serving as a reference for performers, including conductors and choristers.