“…In the immortal forms of beauty”: Frédéric Chopin seen through the eyes of the father of Brazilian neurological semiology

Abstract

Aloysio de Castro (1881–1959) is now remembered as one of Brazil’s greatest physicians and is considered the father of Brazilian neurological semiology. However, his interests went far beyond the realm of Medicine, and he became one of the most illustrious intellectuals of his time. In 1927, he gave a speech at the São Paulo Society of Artistic Culture on Frédéric Chopin and embarked on a journey across the composer’s life and times, discussing the medical issues involving his death, as well as his lovers, his compositions, and the spiritual aspects of musical interpretation. Thus, Castro reinforced the bonds of music and Medicine and provided lessons on Musicology that may very well be as suited to a hospital as they are to a concert hall.