«Fado (Portuguese: destiny, fate) is a music genre which can be traced to the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins. In popular belief, fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. However, in reality fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure. The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word saudade which symbolizes the feeling of loss (a permanent, irreparable loss and its consequent life lasting damage).»
“The Portuguese way” was my visiting card in Austin, Texas. A concert piece for solo piano in which I try to mimic the four layers that usually compose a fado corrido: the vocal line and its gestures and ornamentations; the Portuguese guitar counter-melodies; the classical guitar basic harmonies and the colorful bass line.
The original 2009 piece is part of my CD “Dances and Dreams”, however it has been lightly refurbished for this 2011 performance with a new score.
TIAGO VIDEIRA 