# António Pinho Vargas

António Pinho Vargas (born 15 August 1951 in Vila Nova de Gaia) is a Portuguese composer and pianist specializing in jazz and contemporary music. He has also authored books, essays, and articles on music.

## Career

After earning a degree in history from the University of Porto, he studied music at the Rotterdam Conservatory from 1987 to 1990, graduating with a degree in Musical Composition. In 1991, he began teaching musical composition at the Escola Superior de Música in Lisbon. His first jazz album, Outros Lugares, was released in 1983. He has also composed soundtracks for Portuguese films and theatrical plays.
Since his return from the Netherlands, he has primarily focused on classical composition, creating operas, orchestral and ensemble works. His pieces have been recorded by groups such as the Arditti Quartet, Galliard Ensemble, Royal Scottish Academy Brass, and the Northern Sinfonia.
* 1983 Outros Lugares
* 1985 Cores e Aromas
* 1987 As Folhas Novas Mudam de Cor
* 1989 Os Jogos do Mundo
* 1991 Selos e borboletas
* 1995 Monodia
* 1996 A Luz e a Escuridão
* 2001 Versos
* 2003 Os Dias Levantados
* 2008 Solo
* 2009 Solo II
* 2011 Concerto No IST Improvisações
* 2014 Step by Step, Drumming GP plays António Pinho Vargas
* 2014 Outro Fim
* 2014 Requiem & Judas

## List of works
### Ensemble

* SIX PORTRAITS OF PAIN (2005)
For Violoncello and Large Ensemble: alto flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, cornet, trombone, 3 percussion, piano, cello solo, 6 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos, 2 contrabasses
Duration: 27'
Commissioned by: Casa da Música / Porto 2001
First Performance: Anssi Karttunen (violoncello) and Remix Ensemble, conducted by Frank Ollu, Porto, 2005
* MACHINES FICTIVES (pour Pierrot le fou) (2003) (withdrawn for revision)
For Ensemble: flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, 2 percussion, piano, violin I, violin II, viola, cello, contrabass
Duration: 12'
Commissioned by: Fundação Oriente
First Performance: OrchestrUtópica, conducted by Yu-Feng, Lisbon, 2003
* TRÊS VERSOS DE CAEIRO (1997)
For 12 Instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, piano, percussion, violin I, violin II, viola, cello, contrabass
Duration: 10'
Commissioned by: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
First Performance: Ensemble Nuova Sincronia, conducted by Renato Rivolta, Lisbon and Milan, 1997
* TRÊS QUADROS PARA ALMADA (1994)
For 10 instruments: flute, clarinet I, clarinet/bass clarinet, bassoon/contrabassoon, trumpet, cornet, trombone, piano, violin, cello
Duration: 17'
Commissioned by: Professional School of Music – Almada
First Performance: Soloists from Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, Lisbon
* ESTUDO/FIGURA (1990)
For 10 instruments: flute, clarinet, clarinet in b-flat/bass clarinet, vibraphone/marimba, cello/piano, violin I, viola, cello, contrabass
Duration: 12'
Commissioned by: [Commissioning entity]
First Performance: Ensemble RC, conducted by Arie Van Beck, Amsterdam
* MÚSICA PLANA / MÚSICA CONTRAPLANA (1989)
For Opus Ensemble (withdrawn): oboe/clarinet in b-flat, viola, contrabass, piano
Duration: 12'
Commissioned by: RTP
First Performance: Soloists from Rotterdam Conservatorium, Amsterdam (withdrawn for revision)

### Orchestra

* CONCERTO para VIOLINO in memorian Gareguin Aroutiounian
For Violin and Orchestra
Commissioned by: CCN
First Performance: February 2016, Tamila Kharambura (violin), Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa, conducted by Gary Walker
* QUADROS (de arte moderna)
For Orchestra
Commissioned by: Orquestra Clássica do Sul
First Performance: July–August 2014
* OUVERTURES AND CLOSURES (2012)
For Orchestra: (2.2.2.2 – 4.2.2.1 – Timpani, 1/2 percussion, harp – 8.8.6.6.5)
Duration: 12'
Commissioned by: Guimarães Capital Europeia da Cultura
First Performance: Orquestra Estúdio Guimarães, conducted by Rui Massena, October 2012, Auditório do CC Vila Flor.
* ONZE CARTAS (2011)
For Orchestra, 3 Narrators (prerecorded), and Electronics
Commissioned by: Casa da Música, Centro Cultural de Belém, and Teatro de São Carlos, for the composer's 60th birthday
First Performance: Orquestra Sinfónica Casa da Música, conducted by Christopher Konig, 1 October 2011
Second Performance: Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, conducted by Diego Masson, 17 January 2012
* AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK (2009)
For Orchestra (Strings: 3 violins, 2 violas, 3 cellos, 1 contrabass, and harpsichord)
Duration: 12'
Commissioned by: Centro Cultural de Belém
First Performance: Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa, conducted by Michael Zilm, April 2009, Grande Auditório do CCB
* UM DISCURSO DE THOMAS BERNHARD (2009)
For Speaker and Orchestra (2.2.2.2 – 2.2.2 – 1 percussion, harp – 6.6.4.4.2)
Duration: 12'
Commissioned by: Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa
First Performance: Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, conducted by Michael Zilm, December 2007, Pequeno Auditório do CCB
* GRAFFITI [just forms] (2006)
For Large Orchestra: (3.3.3.1, 3.1 – 6.3.3.1 – 5 percussion, piano, harp – 16.14.12.10.8)
Duration: 25'
Commissioned by: Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
First Performance: Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, conducted by Lothar Königs, March 2006, Grande Auditório do CCB
* REENTERING (2004)
For Orchestra and Percussion Obligato: (2.2.2.2 – 0.2.0.2 – 1 percussion) (10.8.6.5.4)
Duration: 8'
Commissioned by: Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
First Performance: Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, conducted by Donato Renzetti, Lisbon, 2004
* ... VON FREMDEN LÄNDLER ... (2004) (withdrawn for revision)
For Piano Solo and Orchestra: (2.2.2.2 – 4.2.0.0 – 2 percussion – 14.12.10.6.5)
Duration: 18'
Commissioned by: International Music Festival of Coimbra
First Performance: Gulbenkian Orchestra, conducted by Yu Feng; piano: Anne Kaasa, Coimbra, 2004 (withdrawn for revision)
* DUAS PEÇAS (1992–2000)
For String Orchestra: (8.6.6.6.5)
Duration: 15'
Commissioned by: [Commissioning entity]
First Performance: Orquestra Nacional do Porto, conducted by Cesário Costa, Vila Nova de Gaia
* A IMPACIÊNCIA DE MAHLER (1999)
For Orchestra: (2.2.2.2 – 4.2.0.0 – 1 percussion); (14.12.10.6.5)
Duration: 20'
Commissioned by: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
First Performance: Gulbenkian Orchestra, conducted by Michael Zilm, Lisbon, 2001
* ACTING-OUT (1998–2000)
For Piano, Percussion, and Orchestra: (2.2.2.1.2 – 2.2.2.2.1.2 percussion);
Strings A: (6.6.4.4.3); Strings B: (6.6.4.4.3)
Duration: 19'
Commissioned by: Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
First Performance: Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, conducted by António Saiote, Piano: Miguel Henriques, Percussion: Elizabeth Davies, Lisbon, 1998
* EXPLICIT DRAMA (1992) (withdrawn for revision)
For Orchestra and Jazz Trio
Duration: 20'
Commissioned by: Comissão Portuguesa dos Descobrimentos
First Performance: Gulbenkian Orchestra, conducted by Michel Swiertchevisky, Lisbon
* GEOMETRAL (1988–2000) (withdrawn for revision)
For Orchestra (27 instruments)
Duration: 20'
Commissioned by: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
First Performance: Gulbenkian Orchestra, conducted by Michel Tabachnik, Lisbon, 1989

### Chamber music

* NO ART II (2013)
For String Quartet and Piano
Duration: 9'
Commissioned by: Síntese, GMCG
First Performance: 14 November 2013
* QUATRO NOVOS FRAGMENTOS (2012)
Version for Flute and Piano
Duration: 9'
Commissioned by: Luís Meireles, 2010
First Performance: 5 January 2013
* STRING QUARTET No. 3 (2011)
For String Quartet
Commissioned by: Instituto Superior Técnico de Lisboa
First Performance: Quarteto de Cordas de Matosinhos at IST, July 2012
* QUASI UNA SONATA (2011)
For Violin and Piano
Duration: 10'
Commissioned by: Centro Cultural de Belém
First Performance: 29 May 2011
* QUATRO NOVOS FRAGMENTOS (2010)
For Clarinet and Piano
Duration: 9'
Commissioned by: António Saiote, 2010
First Performance: 2012
* ONE MINUTE TO GO (2010)
For Sond'art Ensemble (Flute, Clarinet, Horn, Cello, Piano)
Duration: 1'
Commissioned by: MisoMusic Portugal for its 25th Anniversary, 2010
First Performance: 14 April 2010, Instituto Franco-Português
* MOVIMENTOS DO SUBSOLO, QUARTETO DE CORDAS No. 2 (2008)
For String Quartet
Duration: 11'
Commissioned by: XXX Festival Internacional de Música da Póvoa de Varzim
First Performance: Quarteto Verazin, Póvoa de Varzim, 2008
* DOIS VIOLINOS FOR CARLOS PAREDES (2003)
For 2 Violins: (2.2.2.2 – 0.2.0.2 – 1 percussion); (10.8.6.5.4)
Duration: 6'
Commissioned by: Movimentos Perpétuos
First Performance: Aníbal Lima and Pedro Pacheco, Lisbon, 2003
* STEP BY STEP, WOLFS! (2002)
For 6 Percussionists: (2.2.2.2 – 0.2.0.2 – 1 percussion); (10.8.6.5.4)
Duration: 6'
Commissioned by: Drumming
First Performance: Drumming, conducted by Miguel Bernat, 2002
* TRÊS ESTUDOS FOR 2 PIANOS (2000–2001)
For 2 Pianos
Duration: 15'
Commissioned by: [Commissioning Body]
First Performance: Miguel Henriques and Ana Valente, Lisbon, 2001
* TWO FAMILY DISCUSSIONS (2001)
For 2 Trumpets or 2 Recorders
Duration: 6'
Commissioned by: International Music Festival of Mafra
First Performance: John Wallace and John Miller, Mafra, 2001
* QUATRO OU CINCO MOVIMENTOS FUGIDIOS DA ÁGUA (2001)
For Clarinet Trio
Duration: 15'
Commissioned by: [Commissioning Body]
First Performance: Clarinet: António Saiote, Cello: Jed Barahal, Piano: António Rosado, Póvoa de Varzim, 2001
* SETE CANÇÕES DE ALBANO MARTINS (2000)
For Baritone and Piano
Duration: 18'
Commissioned by: [Commissioning Body]
First Performance: Paulo Ferreira (Baritone), Jaime Mota (Piano), Porto, 2000
* ESTUDOS E INTERLÚDIOS (2000)
For 6 Percussionists
Duration: 25'
Commissioned by: [Commissioning Body]
First Performance: Drumming, conducted by Miguel Bernat, Lisbon, 2000
* TERCEIRO VERSO DE CAEIRO (1997)
For 4 Instruments
Duration: 10'
Commissioned by: "Sven for Parlor"
First Performance: "Sven for Parlor," Athens, 1997
* NOVE CANÇÕES DE ANTÓNIO RAMOS ROSA (1995)
For Voice and Piano
Duration: 25'
Commissioned by: Encontros Primavera de Guimarães
First Performance: Rui Taveira (Voice), Jaime Mota (Piano), Guimarães, 1995
* NOCTURNO/DIURNO (1994)
For String Sextet
Duration: 8'
Commissioned by: Câmara Municipal do Porto
First Performance: Sextuor L'Artois de Lille, Porto, 1994
* MONODIA – Quasi un Requiem (1993)
For String Quartet
Duration: 15'
Commissioned by: Câmara Municipal do Porto for the Jornadas de Arte Contemporânea de 1993
First Performance: Ensemble MusikFabrik, Porto, 1993
* MECHANICAL STRING TOYS (1992)
For String Orchestra (8, 6, 6, 4, 4)
Duration: 6'
Commissioned by: Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa
First Performance: Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa, conducted by Miguel Graça Moura, Lisboa, 1992
* POETICA DELL'ESTINZIONE (Secondo Mikhal Serguievitch) (1990)
For Flute and String Quartet
Duration: 6'
Commissioned by: Oficina Musical
First Performance: Oficina Musical, conducted by Álvaro Salazar, Porto, 1990
* CUT (1989 / rev. 2004)
For Saxophone Quartet (Alto/Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone)
Duration: 8'
Commissioned by: [Commissioning Organization]
First Performance: Quarteto de Saxofones de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1989
* GRAVITAÇÕES (1984)
For Flute and Clarinet (Alto/Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone)
Duration: 6'
Commissioned by: Oficina Musical
First Performance: Eduardo Lucena, Américo Aguiar (Oficina Musical), Porto, 1984 (withdrawn for revision)

### Opera, Oratoria

* DE PROFUNDIS (2014)
For Choir A Cappella
Commissioned by: Paulo Lourenço
First Performance: May 2014
* MAGNIFICAT (2013)
For Choir and Orchestra
Commissioned by: Culturgest
First Performance: Choir and Orchestra Gulbenkian, conducted by Cesário Costa, 11–12 October 2013
* REQUIEM (2012)
For Choir and Orchestra
Duration: 30'
Commissioned by: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
First Performance: Choir and Orchestra Gulbenkian, conducted by Joana Carneiro, 21–22 November 2012
* OUTRO FIM (2009)
Chamber opera
For 5 singers; flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon; 2 horns, trombone; 2 percussionists, piano; 3 violins I, 3 violins II, 2 violas, 2 cellos
Libretto: José Maria Vieira Mendes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Commissioned by: Culturgest
First Performance: Sónia Alcobaça, Luís Rodrigues, Larissa Savchanko, Mário Alves, Madalena Boleo, Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, conducted by Cesário Costa, Lisbon, 2008
* A LITTLE MADNESS IN THE SPRING (2006) (withdrawn for revision)
Chamber opera
For 3 singers; flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, horn, trombone; 2 percussionists, harp, piano; violin I, violin II, viola, cello
Electronics by Carlos Caires and António Pinho Vargas
Libretto: Paulo Tunhas
Duration: 32 minutes
Commissioned by: Casa da Música
First Performance: Eduarda Melo, Matthew Bean, Ivan Ludlow, Remix Ensemble, conducted by Franck Ollu, Lisbon, 1996
* JUDAS (secundum Lucam, Joannem, Matthaeum et Marcum) (2002)
For choir and orchestra
Large choir; (2.2.2.2.4.2.2.0, 1 percussionist); (12.10.8.8.6)
Duration: 30 minutes
Commissioned by: Festival de Música Sacra de Viana do Castelo
First Performance: Choir and Orquestra Gulbenkian, conducted by Fernando Eldoro, 2002
* OS DIAS LEVANTADOS (1998)
Opera
8 singers; large choir; (2.2.3.2 – 2.0.2.2 – 3 percussionists); strings
Libretto: Manuel Gusmão
Duration: 105 minutes
Commissioned by: Expo'98
First Performance: Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, choir from Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, conducted by João Paulo Santos, Lisboa, 1998
* ÉDIPO – Tragédia de Saber (1996)
Opera
4 singers; 32-voice choir; flute; fagot; clarinet; oboe; trumpet; trombone; 2 percussionists; piano; violin I; violin II; viola; cello; double bass
Libretto: Pedro Paixão
Duration: 64 minutes
Commissioned by: Culturgest
First Performance: Soloists from Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, choir from Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, conducted by João Paulo Santos, Lisboa, 1996
* ANCESTRAL E MUDO (1994)
Opera for 4 mixed choirs
Duration: 5 minutes
Commissioned by: [Commissioning organization not specified]
First Performance: Coro de Câmara de Lisboa, conducted by Teresita Gutierrez Marques, Lisboa, 1994

### Solo

* NO ART: Four Études for Solo Violin (2012)
* POLÍTICAS DA AMIZADE: Estudo para Vibrafone (2011)
For Vibraphone Solo
Duration: 6'
First Performance: Auditório da Academia de Música de Espinho, Miquel Bernat, 2011
* SUITE PARA VIOLONCELO SOLO (2008)
For Cello Solo
Duration: 12'
First Performance: Conservatório de Música das Caldas de Rainha, Nuno Abreu, Caldas de Rainha, 2008
* IL RITORNO (2002)
For Harpsichord
Duration: 14'
Commissioned by: International Music Festival of Mafra
First Performance: Instituto Camões, 2003, Ana Mafalda Castro, Mafra (withdrawn for revision)
* HOLDERLINOS (2001)
For Piano
Duration: 26'
Commissioned by: International Music Festival of Coimbra
Published by: Partituras PortugalSom
First Performance: Miguel Henriques, Coimbra
* LA LUNA (1996)
For Guitar
Duration: 3'
Performed by: Cecilia Colien Honneger
Album: Cecilia Colien Honneger
First Performance: Gabriel Estrahellas, Madrid
* MIRRORS (1989)
For Piano
Duration: 9'
Commissioned by: Secretaria de Estado da Cultura
Published by: Musicoteca, 1994; Portuguese Music Information Centre
First Performance: Paul Prenen, Amsterdam, 1990
* TRÊS FRAGMENTOS (1985–87)
For Clarinet Solo
Duration: 5'
Published by: Oficina Musical, 1995
First Performance: António Saiote, Lisboa
* PEÇA (1983)
For Flute Solo
Duration: 4'
Commissioned by: Calouste Gulbenkian School of Braga
First Performance: Olavo Tengner, Jorge Salgado, Braga (withdrawn for revision)

### Film music

Directed by João Botelho
* 1988: Tempos difíceis
* 1993: Aqui na Terra
* 2001: Quem és tu?
Directed by José Fonseca e Costa
* 1996: Cinco dias, cinco noites
* 2003: O fascínio