fados

Fado is a Portuguese musical genre that is typically performed as a solo vocal piece accompanied by two guitars: the Portuguese guitar (guitarra portuguesa) and a classical guitar (viola). The songs focus on saudade, a distinctive Portuguese sense of longing, and cover themes such as love, fate, and loss. A singer in fado is called a fadista and is often accompanied by one or two guitar players, who provide ornamentation and rhythm.

Origins and development: Fado arose in Lisbon in the early 19th century among the urban poor of the Alfama and Mouraria districts, drawing on older street songs, sailor ballads, and theater. It grew from tavern performances and urban culture and gradually became a professional art form with renowned performers in the 20th century.

Performance practice and venues: Fado is commonly performed in casas de fado, intimate venues in Lisbon and other cities. In Coimbra, the style known as fado de Coimbra features a distinct tradition with male fadistas and university-inspired themes, often accompanied by a viola de Coimbra in addition to the Portuguese guitar.

Cultural significance: Fado is a symbol of Portuguese culture and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2011 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Notable contributors: Amália Rodrigues, Carlos do Carmo, Mariza, and Ana Moura are among the best-known fadistas who helped bring fado to international audiences.