Pedro de Assis e seus 15 Estudos de virtuosidade para flauta : uma abordagem histórica e interpretativa

Abstract

Pedro de Assis (1873-1947), a born in Pernambuco and based in Rio de Janeiro flutist, was professor at the Instituto Nacional de Música (National Institute of Music) throughout the first decades of the 20th century. He was also a composer and wrote, among other pieces, two important and somewhat little-known works, especially by the present generations of flutists: Manual do flautista (Flautist Manual) of 1925 and 15 Estudos de virtuosidade para flauta (15 Studies of Virtuosity for Flute), of 1929 by the publisher Sampaio Araújo & Cia. The latter is the main object of this research. The literature dedicated to flute teaching comprises a significant amount of works with the aim of improving the technique of the instrument. However, Pedro de Assis's 15 Virtuosity Studies for Flute is the only one of its kind made in Brazil. Why has this material been on the margins of the literature normally adopted in flute classes at educational institutions? Departing from this question, the search for possible answers gave rise to the research on the technical characteristics of each of the studies and their didactic applicability. Hence, this research was divided into two parts. First, a biographic investigation, based mainly in the publications of newspapers of the time, through consultations on catalogues and press clippings, among other available sources. The second part comprises an analysis of the interpretative, formal, melodic, rhythmic and stylistic issues of each of the Studies, as well as a comparative study. As an integral part of this investigation and complementing the process of this research, the 15 Estudos (15 Virtuosity Studies for Flute) were also recorded.