Joly Braga Santos

José Manuel Joly Braga Santos was a distinguished Portuguese composer and conductor, born and died in Lisbon. Trained at the National Conservatoire of Lisbon in violin and composition, he was a disciple of Luís de Freitas Branco. Post-WWII, Braga Santos emerged as the leading Portuguese symphonist of the 20th century, with Vaughan Williams influencing his integration of native folksong into symphonic music. He sought to contribute to a Latin symphonism and counteract the rejection of monumentalism in music. His style evolved towards increased chromaticism and he composed for a variety of forms, including six symphonies and three operas. He also contributed to musical education and journalistic criticism.