In 1961, Vinicius de Moraes chose artistic creation over diplomacy.

• Letter signed by Vinicius de Moraes to his first daughter, Susana de Moraes.
• Two pages.
• In Portuguese.
• 20 cm x 26 cm.
• Petropolis, April 4, 1961.
• Good condition, paper slightly crumpled.
• Unique piece.

In 1961, Vinicius de Moraes was experiencing a period of intense artistic production and personal transformation. At the age of 48, already established as a poet and diplomat, he was increasingly immersed in the world of Brazilian popular music, drawing closer to artists such as Tom Jobim, with whom he had released the iconic Chega de Saudade three years earlier. During this period, he was gradually moving away from his diplomatic career — which he would officially abandon in 1968 — and reaping the first fruits of Bossa Nova, a movement of which he was one of the great lyricists. On a personal level, 1961 marked the beginning of his relationship with Nelita Abreu Rocha, whom he would marry in 1962. Thus, this year represented a transitional period in which Vinicius established himself as a central figure in Brazilian culture, balancing the lyricism of his poetry with the lightness and sophistication of popular music.

In this letter to his daughter, in an intimate and affectionate tone, he shares professional news, such as the “literary frenzy” he was experiencing, mentioning plays such as Procura-se uma rosa , Chacina em Barros and the daring A Última Ceia , which he himself predicts will result in his excommunication, for reinterpreting Christianity from a Marxist perspective.

There are amusing passages, such as when he says he is “a Turk who is very keen on business” , celebrating the profits from his publishing company, or when he talks about the new “Brazilian snooker table” and the small swimming pool in the future house designed by Oscar Niemeyer. He naturally mentions names like Tom Jobim and even the Beatles. The letter mixes erudition, irony and paternal affection, offering a charming portrait of a Vinicius in full artistic and emotional maturity.

“I presented myself to Itamaraty shortly after the change of government, but the said government decided to forget me – which is very honorable for me, but all too convenient, as I am in the midst of a literary frenzy.”

This passage is perhaps the most revealing: it shows that, although he was still formally linked to Itamaraty, Vinicius was already removed from his diplomatic duties in practice. The “change of government” he refers to is probably the inauguration of Jânio Quadros in January 1961. Vinicius interprets the fact that he was not called up again with irony and relief: he feels “honored” to be forgotten and, at the same time, grateful, because this allows him to dedicate himself intensely to artistic creation!

Thus, this important letter — signed in handwriting as “Dad” (father) — reveals the moment of transition and distancing from diplomacy in the life of the genius Vinicius de Moraes, marked by creative freedom and a clear priority for literature, music and theater.