Orfeu (album)

Orfeu is a 1999 studio album by Brazilian musician Egberto Gismonti. Released on the ECM label, it features Gismonti performing solo on piano. The album draws its inspiration from the Orpheus myth, a recurring theme in Brazilian art and music.

The album is characterized by Gismonti's distinctive approach to the piano, which combines elements of classical music, jazz, and Brazilian folk traditions. It features both original compositions and interpretations of traditional Brazilian melodies. The pieces are largely improvisational in nature, reflecting Gismonti's interest in spontaneous musical creation.

Orfeu explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music, echoing the themes present in the Orpheus myth. It has been praised for its evocative atmosphere, its technical virtuosity, and its emotional depth. It is considered a significant work in Gismonti's discography and a notable example of contemporary Brazilian instrumental music.