Fado the Heart and Soul of Lisboa

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Aquela Rua

Fado (Portuguese: destiny, fate) is a music genre which can be traced to the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins.At that time only fado marinheiro (sailor fado) was known and, like the cantigas de levantar ferro, was sung only by sailors. Back then, fado was not sung in the rest of the country. Fado was generally sung by one person called a fadista, and accompanied by the portuguese guitar and the classical guitar. In popular belief, fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. However, in reality fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure. The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word saudade which symbolizes the feeling of loss (a permanent, irreparable loss and its consequent life lasting damage). Amalia Rodriges known as the "Rainha do Fado" ("Queen of Fado") was most influential in popularizing fado worldwide in the 20th century.
We were priveliged to attende a Fado consert in the famous Fado neiberhood of Alfama. The consert was held in a 13th Century Perish Chuch which at one time had been a Mosque. Even though the place in now a cafe not much has been done to the building. The place was small and packed with people.
The there are no windows so the only light you have is from the small candles on the tables. The singer (Fadista) stands in the middle of the room, and her voice is clear and strong. There is not a sound to be heard as she sings.
The Children fell a sleep to the melodious sounds. Kevin and I enjoyed our extra large glass of Port and the rhythm of the night.
I wanted you to experience sound of fado, so I've posted a video by Joana Amandoeir with the song Aquela Rua (That Street). Sit back and enjoy.

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Photos

Alfama Lisboa
The Monks Table Resturant

Alfama Lisboa
The only table left way in the back next to the washrooms.

Alfama Lisboa
Male singer.
From where we were it was to dark to see anything, but we could hear. The large front doors were the back drop for the stage.

Alfama LIsboa
Kevin and some of our night tour group

Alfama Lisboa
Female Fadista standing in the middle of the room.

Alfama Lisboa
Our tour guide and I

Alfama Lisboa
They did try to stay awake, but at 1 AM and way to much to drink they both passed out.

Comments

[sister Ann-Marie :)]

Hello Kevin & Maria!
Hi Family! I am soooo glad to hear from you! I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing, are you visiting Portugal now or is this site from before? If you are lucky you! I have about 2 weeks left of work and then I am free for the summer, thinking of going to NB for mom's bday and then to see Anita in her new home. Let's chat when we can, I'm subbing now and probably shouldn't be on my laptop! Say Hi to the kiddies for me, lots of love x0x0x0x0x00xx00x0Ree