Wind bands in Portugal in the last quarter of the 20th century: a case study

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to analyse the changes that have occurred in Portuguese wind bands especially in the municipality of Águeda (district of Aveiro) in the last quarter of the 20th century as this is a very unknown period in what concerns these musical groups. The methodology used includes bibliographical research, collection of press articles, research in collections and archives, as well as interviews. An evident revival phase can be highlighted in these groups when the collected data is compared to the one in the preceding period. Despite the persistence of certain problems such as the economic ones, this revival was possible thanks to a combination of factors, among which the increased availability of human resources can be referred. Due to the insufficient studies on this subject, this research casts a new light on these groups, especially in the municipality of Águeda and during the time period in question.