AMÁLIA

♫ ♪ INTRODUCTION TO FADO

Alfama and Mouraria

Fado is Portugal's best known musical form. There is written evidence dating back to around 1840 when it was developing in Lisbon, most notably in the taverns and other entertainment establishments of the city's old districts of Alfama and Mouraria. Whereas nowadays, fado can often be observed treated with reverence, the general Portuguese public perception of it throughout its history has not always been as favourable, first for social, and later for political, reasons.

A typical fado song

A typical fado song features poetic - often introspective and melancholic - lyrics combined with a plaintive modal melody. The singer may be accompanied by the distinctive-sounding Portuguese guitar and a classical guitar («uma violão») and additionally an acoustic (or an electric) bass. Percussion instruments are often absent. The finest performances are distinguished by the compelling combination of subtle virtuosity and raw emotional intensity.

Amália Rodrigues

The towering figure of 20th Century fado was Amália Rodrigues who, following early national success in the 1940s, became the first fadista whose fame transcended the Portuguese-speaking world. Her death in 1999 initiated 3 days of official mourning just before a Parliamentary Election. Her influence - both musical and stylistic - remains significant to this day.

Mariza

Mariza was born in Moçambique and moved with her family to Lisbon at the age of three. Among the many talented and charismatic contemporary female fadistas, we highlight Mariza in this introduction because of her international profile and awards - plus exceptional album sales - throughout the decade since her 2001 debut album «Fado Em Mim». While she has been most respectful of fado traditions, she has also innovated and introduced wider influences to her music.

MARIZA