The symbolism of Camilo Pessanha’s poetry and its reflection in the works of Portuguese composers

Abstract

Camilo Pessanha’s work has a unique status in contemporary Portuguese poetry. Within his verses are represented the spirit of searching for musical sound in poetic verses, inspired by the ephemeral nature of time and feeling, the experience of Portuguese ‘saudade’ (a longing for home and loved ones) and Chinese nostalgia, as well as an obscure and imaginary poetic vision. In Macau, Pessanha wrote a significant part of Clepsidra, and translated Chinese literary texts. These works not only made the stimulated the feelings of contemporary poets, but also offered sources of inspiration to composers of Portuguese contemporary music. This article aims to study Pessanha’s poetry and its symbolism which is reflected in the works of composers, namely Fernando Lopes-Graça, Filipe de Sousa, Simão Barreto and António Chagas Rosa. In addition to Fernando Lopes-Graça, the other composers included in the study are related to Macau or Chinese culture, and their works will be studied in detail in order to unveil the resonance between word, symbol and music.