Presence of Carlos Gomes in the Rio press during his formative period, 1859-1863

Abstract

The Rio de Janeiro press followed Antonio Carlos Gomes along the years 1859-1863, leaving a clear impression of his meaning as a composer. We propose a documental study using the MEMÓRIA BN database of the National Library to identify this perception. One can see the distinction of his visibility as a musician before and after A noite do castello. Contrary to what his biography suggests, Gomes did not stand out in the first years in Rio, being prominent his colleague Henrique Alves de Mesquita. This picture changes with A noite do castello and is assured with Joanna de Flandres, but there is not enough time for the effects of her second opera to change the perception of Gomes through the periodicals, as he leaves to his studies in Milan.