21st WASBE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS, RIO DE JANEIRO – BRAZIL - QUINTETÔNICA for Woodwind Quintet and Wind Orchestra by TIBOR FITTEL (Brazil, 1976)
[#378] Oct 19, 2026
Brazil | 2026 | Woodwind Quintet and Wind Orchestra | Grade 5 | 8'22" | Solo work
Premiered by Orquestra de Sopros da UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Wind Orchestra) conducted by Marcelo Jardim
on July 23, 2026 at Municipal Theater Rio de Janeiro
This recording has been donated by Mark Custom.
Quintetônica, by Brazilian pianist, accordionist, composer and arranger Tibor Fittel, is our Composition of the Week.
Quintetônica (2026) was given its world premiere on 23 July 2026 during the 21st WASBE International Conference in Rio de Janeiro. It was performed by the Orquestra de Sopros da UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Wind Orchestra) with the Quinteto Villa-Lobos as soloists (Rubem Schuenck — flute; Rodrigo Herculano — oboe; Cristiano Alves — clarinet; Philip Doyle — horn; Aloysio Fagerlande — bassoon) conducted by Marcelo Jardim.
Tibor Fittel describes his musical language as having its roots in erudite music but subsequently becoming detached from a purely classical vocabulary and incorporating popular Brazilian music, jazz and Brazilian folk traditions. He feels at home occupying a crossover universe.
Quintetônica has a duration of around 8 minutes and 30 seconds and appears to be part of an ongoing artistic relationship between Fittel and the Quinteto Villa-Lobos, rather than a one-off commission. His work “Rubinário” was recorded by the Quinteto Villa-Lobos and released on their 2024 album Sempre, as well as “Cristineta”, which has appeared in their programs at the Festival de Campos do Jordão and elsewhere.
This recording has been donated by Mark Custom. To purchase the entire performance visit http://www.markcustom.com/
Tibor Fittel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and has performed with prominent artists, including Elba Ramalho, Carlos Lyra, Fagner, Mart’nália, and Zélia Duncan.
He has worked as a pianist and accordionist in musical theatre productions by Tim Rescala and José Mauro Brandt, as well as productions involving Nelson Rodrigues Filho and Fernando Bicudo. He has also participated in recordings of soundtracks for Globo television series and miniseries.
He is a member of the Duo Querubim, together with Camila Marlière.
With an extensive body of work as a composer, Fittel has written music for theatre and circus productions, including Pinocchio and João e Maria, by Daniel Porto, and O Paraíso Mais Belo, by José Mauro Brant, among others.
His song Valsa, recorded by Italian singer Simone Baron on the album The Space Between Disguises, received positive reviews from publications including Jazz News London and DownBeat of New York.
Other works for winds include:
• Cristineta (2023) for Woodwind Quintet
• Rubinário (2024) for Woodwind Quintet
