Portuguese veteran violinist Carlos «Zíngaro» Alves and the generation younger double bass player João Madeira have been collaborating regularly in recent years, but Arcada Pendular is their debut duo album, recorded within the centuries-old walls of the Convent of Madre de Deus da Verderena in Barreiro, now a local art center,  in August 2023. «Zíngaro» did the cover watercolor artwork, and Madeira recorded, mixed, mastered, produced, and released the album via his label.

Arcada Pendular offers eleven intimate pieces that stress the idiomatic freedom of these gifted string players and improvisers as well as their insistence on continuing to experiment with timbres and shifting dynamics, and expand their sonic palette. Obviously, extended bowing and percussive techniques are part of the duo’s dynamics, and both «Zigaro» and Madeira cleverly use the unique acoustic qualities of the old space. This duo relies on deep listening and a deep sensibility of form and structure that transform the spontaneous, emphatic improvisations into concise, instant compositions.

The album sounds like a long, open, and deep conversation between two close friends who share their most inner thoughts, experiences, and lessons. «Zingaro» and Madeira sound as if they had a lot of urgent issues to share. Together, this chamber duo sounds as a greater, richer whole, determined to deepen this stimulating collaboration and keep enriching their ongoing conversations.

Eyal Hareuveni

Carlos «Zíngaro» (violin), João Madeira (double bass)