Fado Portugués (Other)

Fado"no other portrayal of the Portuguese soul captures it as vividly as these wistful songs of heartbreak, unrequited love, and parting. Before this Portuguese elegy became socially acceptable at the end of the nineteenth century, it could only be heard in Lisbon's dark portside bars. Authentic photographs by Luis Pavo capture the mood of the sensual songs and melodies presented here. Music CDs: The collection of music in Fado Portuguese serves as an introduction to the wise and weary lamentations on romance that Lisbon is famous for, but also includes guitarradas (instrumentals) from Coimbra. The musicians and singers featured on the compilation range from established masters like Antonio Chainho, to more contemporary artists such as Paulo Braganca and Lenita Gentil. Fado is more than a musical style; it is powerful enough to be an emotion in and of itself"restless, yearning, and wistful to the last lingering tone.