Instrumentation: ensemble – flute, oboe, clarinet, piano, vibraphone, crotales, violin, viola, cello

Duration: 9′

Year: 2024

Fernando Pessoa intricately explored the human condition through his numerous heteronyms. Among these personas, Ricardo Reis stands out for his philosophical and contemplative poetry. In the poem “Vivem em nós inúmeros,” Reis articulates the profound notion that within each individual resides a multitude of selves, each with its own desires and dreams.
This composition seeks to bring to life the essence of Reis’s reflection on internal multiplicity. Pessoa’s poem begins with the poignant lines:
“Inside us there are countless ones, Everyone with his difference And desires to have been different.”
These words encapsulate the core idea that our inner lives are not singular but rather a collection of varied and sometimes conflicting identities. Each persona within us carries its own aspirations, memories, and experiences, contributing to the rich, complex tapestry that defines who we are.
In translating this concept into music, the composition aims to mirror the diversity and depth of the human psyche. Through a series of sections, each segment represents a different facet of our inner selves. Melodies intertwine and diverge, harmonies clash and expand, embodying the myriad voices that reside within.