The reception of Johann Sebastian Bach in Southern and Southeastern Regions in Brazil

• Applicant: Dr. Joevan de Mattos Caitano
• Subject Area: Musicology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564762445

The reception and dissemination of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music in Brazil remains underexplored, with limited academic engagement since the mid-20th century. This postdoctoral research project plans to investigate the evolving practices and interpretations of Bach’s repertoire in Brazil. The focus is on the cultural and religious transformations from the predominantly Catholic context of the 20th century to the increasing influence of Evangelical traditions in the 21st century. The study emphasizes the significant yet underacknowledged contributions of women as instrumentalists and educators in shaping Bach’s pedagogical and performance legacy in Brazil. Collaborating with the Bach Archiv Leipzig, Neue Bachgesellschaft e.V. (NBG), Discoteca Oneyda Alvarenga - Centro Cultural São Paulo, ACC – Associação de Canto Coral in Rio de Janeiro, SMBB - Sociedade Musical Bachiana Brasileira, ICAC - Instituto Curitiba de Arte, Cultura, Fundação Cultural de Curitiba, and private archives, the research examines historical performances, sociocultural dialogues, and overlooks contributions to Bach’s reception in Brazil. The project aims to culminate in a scholarly monograph offering a comprehensive analysis of Bach’s transnational influence. By situating Bach’s reception within Brazilian cultural and historical contexts, this study seeks to enrich the global discourse on the composer’s enduring legacy.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Brazil
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Alvaro Carlini; Professorin Yara Caznok, Ph.D.
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Dominik Höink; Professor Dr. Peter Wollny