Fado music is a form of Portuguese singing that is often associated with pubs, cafés, and restaurants. This music genre officially originated in Portugal around the 1820s, though it is thought to have much earlier origins. Fado is known for how expressive and profoundly melancholic it is. In fado music, the musician will sing about the hard realities of daily life, balancing both resignation and hopefulness that a resolution to its torments can still occur. It can be described by using the Portuguese word “saudade,” which means “longing” and stands for a feeling of loss. This loss is generally permanent and of long-term consequence. Fado music often has one or two 12 string guitars, one or two violas, and sometimes a small 8 string bass.
Fado Music Varieties...
Lisbon:
Lisbon fado is the more well-known of the two styles. This style has roots in social contexts that are set in marginality and transgression. It was frequently found in locations of sailors and prostitutes. In the early 1900s, it found a popular following that would continue today. It came across some difficult times in 1926, when censorship caused major changes to urban entertainment and placing hefty requirements on any shows and venues. Thanks to the popularity of the radio, fado found its place in homes across Portugal. In the 1990s, it soon found its place in the World Music circuits.
Coimbra:
Coimbra fado has ties to the academic traditions of the University of Coimbra. The singers and other musicians will wear the tradition academic wardrobe that consists of dark robes, capes, and leggings. They will sing at night time on the streets or in the city square. While Lisbon often appealed to those in the working-class fields, Coimbra appeals to the more privileged classes.
There are a few other differences between Lisbon and Coimbra, aside from the group of people the music appeals to. Lisbon-style can be sung by anyone regardless of gender, while Coimbra-style is only sung by males. Coimbra-style generally is about finding hope in the everyday hardships that people live through. In contrast, Lisbon-style would suggest surrender when being faced with those hardships. Lisbon-style often features improvisation during performances, whereas Coimbra-style is constantly rehearsed before performances.
Amalia Rodrigues and Modern Fado...
The fado genre was brought to the music world mainstream by Rainha do Fado (Queen of Fado) Amalia Rodrigues (July 23, 1920 – October 6, 1999). Known as Amalia throughout the world, she became one of the most important personalities for the genre and the main inspiration for contemporary and modern fado. Amalia had a personality, charisma, extraordinary timbre of voice, and beauty that made her an acclaimed artist whose services were requested by Monarchs and Presidents. By the time of her death, Amalia had received over 40 decorations and honors for her music, stage presence, and philanthropy including the Legion d’Honneur by the French government. She was given a state funeral and her remains are in Lisbon’s National Pantheon (the only woman to have the honor). Amalia single-handedly placed fado on the world map.
Since the early 21st century and the influence of Amalia Rodrigues, there is newfound popularity in this type of music. Modern fado has incorporated new instruments including piano, violin, accordion. They have also begun combining fado with other popular genres. Some current artists of this genre include Madredeus, Ana Moura, Dulce Pontes, and Mariza. Mariza, in particular, is highly popular, winning numerous awards in the World Music category and was featured on the David Letterman show.
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