As I was meandering around the cobbled streets of Tavira, I spotted, several times, a leaflet in a shop window. Always interested in a new venture, I went to find out more. ” Fado com História” is situated in the heart of the old quarter, just beside the Misericordia Church and below the castle walls. What I found delighted me. If you’ve never experienced Fado, or think that it might not be for you, I can recommend you to this introduction.
Fado originated in Lisbon, and the show begins with a video featuring some of Portugal’s most famous Fado singers, so that you get a feel for the sound. Most prominent among these was Amalia Rodrigues(1920-1999). She said that “Fado has to be felt. Fado isn’t sung, but just happens. You feel it, you don’t understand it, nor can it be explained.” Such passion did she arouse that, when she died, Portugal held 3 days of national mourning.
Nowadays Fado can be heard throughout Portugal, usually in an atmospheric bar or restaurant. “Fado com História” is a small venue, featuring a trio of live artists. They include Virgilio Lanca, who plays guitar and makes most of the explanations in a soft voice. He describes fado as “a song that gives you goosebumps”. Miguel Drago plays Portuguese guitar, which has 12 metallic strings in groups of 2. You could hear a pin drop as the two begin a guitarrada, demonstrating the ebb and flow of their art.
They are joined by a fadista, Teresa Viola, a lovely young woman with a beautiful voice. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and leans into the performance. Accompanied by the guitarists she sings 4 or 5 fados, explaining the stories behind them. The backdrop is a wall-sized photograph of a 1942 performance at Cafe Luso, in Lisbon, featuring the great Amalia.
The passion of the performers for their project is clearly evident, and at the end of the show they are happy to talk about it. They are working in conjunction with the Fado Museum in Lisbon but have found a different way to present fado, and the live performances are key.
The museum is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Sundays, and a new show begins each hour. Details are at http://www.fadocomhistoria.wix.com/fado . I can only suggest that if you have the opportunity at any time you should go along. You will be warmly welcomed. This video is in Portuguese but is quite easy to follow.
Very interesting, and she has a lovely voice.
Not everyone’s cup of tea but I enjoyed the performance very much. Thanks for your visit 🙂
Variety is the spice of life.
Excellent post dear Jo ⭐ You made me think of the feeling called Saudade and of Fernando Pessoa, that great poet.
Best wishes to you. Aquileana 😎
Thanks, Aquileana 🙂 It’s so wonderfully expressive, isn’t it?
We listened to Fado in Lisbon several years ago and enjoyed it, but Amalia’s voice is way superior. Thank you for another lovely post Jo.
Spreading a little culture with the smiles this week, Madhu 🙂 🙂 Virgilio is such a nice guy and they are very talented artists who perform throughout Portugal. I felt compelled to give them a ‘shout’.
Can feel the passion
Keeps you warm on a Winter’s night 🙂
yes 🙂
Oh this is just wonderful Jo, thanks so much for sharing Fado, I’ve not heard of it. But I love Flamenco so I suppose it goes without saying I would enjoy this music too 🙂 I felt, for a few moments, that I was on holiday 😀
You definitely need that trip south, girl! Hols and flights are cheap right now 🙂 🙂 I love that they’ve brought this to Tavira. These are well known musicians, who’ve played throughout Portugal.
Yes, I do!!! 😀
We went to a Fado bar in Lisbon one Christmas – it was wonderful, In fact I think it was Amalia Rodrigues’ granddaughter singing. Thanks for putting on the link as well…loving it!
It’s a bit lengthy, Tanya, but I thought it explained rather well, even for those who don’t speak Portuguese (like me 🙂 ). I love the emotion of it!