Circense
Egberto Gismonti · 1980
49 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and jazz harmonies interwoven with playful melodies and intricate guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Karatê — The opening track establishes the album's playful tone through its infectious rhythm and intricate guitar interplay, setting the stage for Gismonti's musical exploration.
-
→
Palhaço — This piece captures a whimsical essence with its lively tempo and engaging melodies, showcasing Gismonti's ability to blend storytelling with music.
-
→
Equilibrista — Characterized by its emotional depth and dynamic contrasts, this track highlights Gismonti's virtuosic guitar skills while encapsulating the album’s thematic richness.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends Brazilian rhythms with jazz harmonies, showcasing Gismonti's unique style and craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features intricate guitar work and syncopated rhythms, setting a lively tone.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional Brazilian instruments alongside jazz elements, creating a rich textural contrast.
- The final track concludes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing the music to gently fade out.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful melodies for joyful moments
- intricate musicianship for detail lovers
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- captivating rhythms that invite movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1980, Circense marked Egberto Gismonti's emergence as a prominent figure in the Brazilian music scene, following his earlier works like Dança das Cabeças. This album showcases his unique fusion of traditional Brazilian folk elements with avant-garde jazz, solidifying his reputation as an innovative composer and performer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chico Buarque· Hermeto Pascoal· Milton Nascimento
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Karatê 5:02
- 2 Cego aderaldo 6:27
- 3 Mágico 7:17
- 4 Palhaço 5:54
- 5 Tá boa, santa? 5:58
- 6 Equilibrista 8:19
- 7 Ciranda 5:36
- 8 Mais que a paixão 4:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.