THE ADAGIO:

Pedro’s Adagio for Orchestra, Op.1 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of his orchestral style. At 27 minutes long, this substantial work pays tribute to the adagios of Gustav Mahler. The Adagio can be divided into three main sections with a brief coda where deliberate silences interrupt the flow at key climaxes and thus marks the structure. It can be viewed as an allegory for the myth of Sisyphus, highlighting the persistent struggle for growth amid eternal stillness and the essential role of hope in times of despair. This composition represents a musical journey that triumphs over. So, the music is built and rebuilt from its debris, yet it consistently leads to different outcomes. Its texture is a complex tapestry of intertwined melodies and developments, interspersed with moments of playfulness.

A little about its history:

The Adagio for Orchestra has a complex and tumultuous history. Originally conceived from another work, later titled "For Xion", it was intended to be part of the soundtrack for "The Artist" by Xion Lii - a film in which Pedro had played the role a troubled painter who exclusively created self-portraits. The Adagio was meant to underscore a pivotal scene where the painter argues with his friend and agent, leading to the end of their long friendship. The original composition was much shorter and served as a tragic elegy for this moment.

Pedro carried out of the film these deeply emotional melodies forward to develop a two-movement - Scherzo & Adagio – symphony, from which only the Adagio is published. Although the piece was extended significantly and its themes elaborated beyond its context in the film, the emotional core and character of the music were preserved. Interestingly, the Adagio has come to represent a sort of self-portrait for Pedro, reflecting his own personal and emotional journey. As such, it helped him find the style that permeated all other works after this colossal Opus 1.