Mùsica De Um Coração Solitário(Music from a lonely heart)
(A Blog Favorite)
The history of Fado, a distinct sound of music, was thought to have started in Medieval Portugal, but was credited to the lonely and desperate Portuguese fishermen with their melancholy songs of heart ache and homesickness, 200-300 years ago.Amalia Rodrigues 1920-1999 was known as the “Queen of Fado”. Her relentless efforts to elevate the platform of the Fado brought worldwide attention to its distinctive sound. If Fado is considered “the soul of Portugal”, then Amalia Rodrigues was its “heart”.Famous depiction by artist Jose Malhoa, of a Portuguese prostitute singing the music of Fado. For a long time the Fado was associated with the lower echelon of society and frowned upon. But with time the music became a symbol of the Portuguese culture.One of two guitars accompanying a Fado singer. This picture depicts the traditional “Guitara Portuguesa“.One of two guitars accompanying a Fado singer. This picture depicts the acoustic “Guitara Classica“.
While I was growing up in homes enhanced with Portuguese music, food and noble traditions, the melancholy sounds of Amália Rodriguez gently waftedthroughout each of them. The intense passion of each note seemed bewitching and forlorn. I had imagined Portugal to be a land of deep sorrow. To this day I often play the Portuguese Fado in my home but never when I’m happy, rather, when I feel a need to contemplate, or reflect on my beautiful Portuguese heritage and upbringing.
The Fado induced tears while writing this post were heightened by the cherished memories of you: Manuel, Olivia Rosa, DeDe and Gloria. Your spirit flows through me every single day. Vou honrara sua memória para sempre.
The Family Portuguesa
My Grandfather, Manual Ferrara (Smith) 1886-1980. Came through Ellis Island from the Azores, Portugal in 1916 and settled in California.My Grandmother, Olivia Rosa Smith 1895-1950. Came through Ellis Island around 1916 from Lisbon, Portugal.Gloria Martina Smith 1923-1990. Born in Oakland, California. Sweet Essence of Love. (My dad and me too.)My aunt, Olivia Dyer (DeDe) 1917-1997. As a young woman sang Fado on the local Portuguese radio station in Modesto area of California. I hear she was grand.
The Meaning
The Portuguese Fado represents the heart and soul of the downtrodden as Jazz and TheBluesdeclared themselves within the American south. In music we can cope, we can hope, we can transport ourselves to a better place. Please watch and listen to the wonderful video entitled Fado: The soul of Portugal. The Queen of Fado, Amália Rodrigus, that remarkable singer whom, some say, was the best in the world and the symbolic heartbeat of Portugal, sings passionately in the background.
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