Inspired by the Portuguese writer José Saramago’s short story “O Conto da Ilha Desconhecida” (The Tale of the Unknown Island), this piece is dedicated to Brazilian guitarist, researcher, and Professor Humberto Amorim, whose work has revealed many “unknown islands” in the history of Brazilian guitar. Subtle references to compositions connected to Amorim’s research are woven throughout, including motifs from Villa-Lobos’s unfinished “Valsa de Concerto No. 2” and a waltz by Quincas Laranjeiras, which was preserved solely as a manuscript melody. “Valsa da Ilha Desconhecida” concludes with a nod to the introduction of the Flamengo anthem, Brazil’s most popular soccer team, and the team for which both Humberto and I share our support.
