Brazuca Sounds #95: Moacir Santos - Coisas [1965]

In episode #95, we celebrate the centennial birthday of maestro Moacir Santos. Born on July 26th, 1926, in Flores de Pajeú, Pernambuco, he arrived in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 22 to work at Rádio Nacional and study music with conductors such as Guerra-Peixe and Claudio Santoro. He became a mentor himself, and amongst his pupils are the likes of Baden Powell, João Donato, and Sérgio Mendes. Powell was the first to record Santos' themes named after "things", with Coisa N°1 and Coisa N°2 on his 1963 album. It was long after he also started composing for films, such as "Ganga Zumba". This episode takes a deep dive into the story behind the recording sessions of Coisas, Moacir Santos’ 1965 masterpiece released on the Forma label. Recorded over three consecutive days at RCA Victor Studios in Rio de Janeiro, the album brought together two distinct ensembles. These groups alternated deliberately between more intimate, chamber-like arrangements and expansive, big band–inspired formations. Although Coisas is entirely instrumental, several compositions later received lyrics. One notable example is “Coisa N°5,” also known as “Nanã,” which was co-written with Mario Telles.Check Translationsmith for the translation of many songs from the album.Follow our playlist ⁠Brazuca Sounds Soundtrack.