Brazilian composer, Spanish descendant. In 1917 entered to the Instituto Nacional de Musica, (National Institute of Music), where studied the piano and musical theory with J. Otaviano and harmony with Frederico Nascimento. After he studied with the brazilian composer Francisco Braga.

Lorenzo Fernandez was one of the founders of the Brazilian Conservatory of Music, in 1936, and of the Brazilian Academy of Music (in 1945).  His name was projected with the Trio Brasileiro Op. 32 for the piano, violin and   violoncello, honored work, together with the Canção Sertaneja op. 31, in an international competition concurso internacional in Rio de Janeiro, promoted by the Sociedade de Cultura Musical, in 1924.

In 1940, his Batuque was played in Rio de Janeiro by orchestra of  National Broadcasting Corporation of USA, conducted by Arturo Toscanini.

In 1947 Fernandez finished to work in his second symphony, inspired by the poem O Caçador de Esmeraldas (The Esmerald Hunter), by Olavo Bilac, famous Brazilian writer. But this music didn't was played while the composer was alive. Lorenzo Fernandez died in August of 1948, after to conducted an orchestra in a concert.

The Brazilian folklore is always present in his work.The composer is author of numerous works: operas (Malazarte), two symphonies, concerts (one for the piano and other for the violin), songs (Toada para Você - Song for You), scores for the piano, etc... 

Bibliography

Enciclopédia Barsa - Encyclopaedia Britannica do Brasil Publicações Ltda.

Grande Enciclopédia Larousse Cultural

José Carlos Victorello - Arthur Moreira Lima e Amigos (CD cover)