What it is
Fado is Portugal's most recognisable urban song tradition. It is usually intimate rather than loud: a singer, Portuguese guitar, classical guitar and an audience that listens closely.
Music topic
Fado
Portuguese saudade: voice, guitar and late-night feeling.
Where it comes from
Lisbon fado grew in taverns and working neighbourhoods before becoming a national sound. Coimbra developed a student-linked form with its own repertoire and performance customs.
- Origin
- Lisbon and Coimbra, Portugal
- Era
- Nineteenth century to today
- Core sound
- Voice, Portuguese guitar and melancholy
- Best for
- Small rooms, wine, seafood and attentive listening
How the topic reads
Vocal focus96 96
Late-night mood92 92
Place identity90 90
Dance energy20 20
Names people recognise
- Amalia Rodrigues
- Carlos do Carmo
- Mariza
- Ana Moura
- Carminho
- Camane
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