The most important Brazilian diplomat of all time and his work in posts abroad and as Minister of Foreign Affairs earned him the title of patron of Brazilian diplomacy.

Sleeve notes by pianist and author Gilda Oswaldo Cruz for the SanCtuS album “Rites of Passage”

Arminda Villa-Lobos conceived and produced this fine record (LP), now reissued by SanctuS.
Unfortunately, information regarding venues and recording dates was never registered but, despite this shortcoming, we welcome this initiative which has the full support of the Villa-Lobos Museum.

This instrument is unique in being the most elaborate eighteenth-century harpsichord to have come down to us. The allegorical scene painted inside its lid – probably representing Dido and Aeneas or Paris and Helen – suggests it was intended as a royal gift. It represents a knight in armour appearing in a cloud above the very same harpsichord being represented (presumably by Hass himself and his son) to an enthroned lady who marvels at the sight.

Rafael Puyana’s performances of Domenico Scarlatti’s harpsichord sonatas are widely accepted as a milestone in…

Introduction text written by violinist and musical producer Betina Maag Santos for the SanCtuS album entitled “Johann Sebastian Bach – Six Partitas from the Clavier-Übung I” (SCS 027-029) with recordings of Rafael Puyana playing the celebrated three-manual harpsichord by Hieronymus Albrecht Hass of 1740.