A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Saturday 30 July 2016

Ten Of The Best: Amália Rodrigues And Ana Moura (6)



I am smitten with the vitality and passion of Portuguese fado and Spanish flamenco music. This is the late, great Amália Rodrigues (1920-1999), who was known as the Rainha do Fado, the Queen of Fado. If you like this, you must also listen to the fabulous Ana Moura (b. 1979), whom I've featured before on this blog. Here she is singing Amor Afoito from her album Desfado, and here she joins with the brilliant Israeli musician Idan Raichel in Sabe Deus (God Knows).

5 comments:

George said...

I'm not familiar with either of these artists, but I like what you've provided here, especially the piece by Ana Moura.

Vagabonde said...

I heard Amalia Rodrigues in the 1950s and bought many 45 records of her . She was very famous in France and was often on French TV. I have loved fado music because of her for decades and even studied some Portuguese so I could understand its lyrics. I appreciate “saudade” and feel it when I miss my other country and original language. Also went to Lisbon specially to hear the music live and visit the fado museum. Another great singer is Maria Teresa de Noronha, a Portuguese aristocrat. If you don’t know her, go on youtube and you’ll be able to listen to her great voice – she was a traditional fado singer. Portuguese brought me also to Cesaria Evora, a great Cape Verde traditional singer. I was able to watch her live in Paris the year before she passed away.

The Solitary Walker said...

I love the snapshots you give us of your personal life and passions, Vagabonde. Thank you!

Amanda Summer said...

I had the good fortune to listen to both male and female Fado singers in Lisbon a couple years ago; much appreciate hearing Amalia Rodrigues's haunting voice. Like Vagabonde, I too admire Cesaria Evora - didn't realize she was from Cabo Verde Islands.

The Solitary Walker said...

Must have been wonderful, Amanda. Have seen flamenco performances live, but not fado.