Music History and Instruments in Brazil

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Music History and Instruments in Brazil

Introduction

Joyful people, white sandy beaches, vibrant music and tanned skin. Most people would likely say these things if they were asked about Brazil. Brazil is a big country that blends different races and cultures. Brazil is the only country in South America that was colonized by Portugal and has a large group of migrants who include Japanese, Africans, Italians, Germans and Arabians. The interaction of these several cultures led to interesting results that influenced the visual arts, food, religion, culture and music. Music is a language that is understood by all and binds people of different religion or race. Music is solely the universal language that brings everybody on a single plane. Some of the most renowned musicians who have come from different destinations of the world have travelled far and wide and secured a place in the hearts of millions of people.

Brazil is a country where dance and music streams in the body and mind of its people. The Brazilian music is passionate and full of joy. Brazil has an interesting mix of music styles due to the influence of diverse cultures. The magical blend in Brazilian music is revealed by the numerous genres. Brazilian music has the ability and power to capture all listeners and compel them to shake a leg.

As it has been said, Brazilian music is a result of interaction of traditions and people. The music has origins in African dances, European traditions and indigenous rituals. It is, however, impossible to write about Brazilian music without visiting the history of Brazilian music. In the 16th and 17th century, religious hymns, military marches, old folk songs, tribal rhythms and erudite European songs mostly influenced Brazilian music style. Lundu and Modinha rhythms particularly stood out during the 18th and 19th century in most cities (Meade 200).

Modinha originated from the Portuguese. It was melancholic and mostly sang about love in an erudite and calm beat. Lundu, on the other hand, originated from Africa. It had a sensual appeal and a strong dancing rhythm. The blend of modinha, Lundu and the European ballroom dance led to a rhythm referred to as choro (cry). Choro is a cheerful and upbeat rhythm that is improvised by the performers. It is considered the first typical popular urban music style in Brazil. Singer Chiquinha Gonzaga wrote the song, Anra Alas, which was considered one of the best carnival marches ever in 1899 (Meade 200).

When the 20th century began, signs of what would later become samba was seen. A mixture of capoeira music, candomble music rhythms and African percussion beats began to emerge from the rooming houses and slums in Rio de Janeiro. Carnival included the participation of people with diverse backgrounds and former slaves in elitist celebrations. Ernesto dos Santos was the first to compose the first samba in 1917 and was recorded by Pixinguinha.

The Brazilian music was promoted by the growing popularity of radio during the 1920s and 1930s. The period was majorly dominated by Dorival Caymmi, Noel Rosa, Lupicino Rodrigues and Ary Barroso. The popular artist included Carmen Miranda whose songs encompassed political and social critiques and also a comedic element. 1940 saw the emergence of Luiz Gonzage who later became to be popularly known as "king of Baiao". He talked about the absence of songs in northeast Brazil. Bossa Nova was later born, which is a smooth and sophisticated style exhibited the Brazilian beauty abroad. Other singers' such as Joao Gilberto and Tom Jobim later followed.

Television became an important influence on music in the 1960s. Brazilian television stations aired the festival of popular Brazilian music which launched important movements such as the Jovem Guarda and Tropicalism (Meade 200). The Jovem Guarda had a romantic touch and was influenced by American rock music. Its representatives included Erasmo Carlos, Wanderlea and Roberto Carlos. The movement blended radical innovations with elements of Brazilian culture. Tropicalismo, on the other hand, had cosmopolitan tendencies and proposed for a universal sound. Its supporters were politically and socially motivated and protested against dictatorship. Some of the most popular supporters include Giberto Gil and Caetano Veloso who were persecuted and exiled.

In the 1970s, there was a transition in Brazilian music which was the emergence of Brazilian popular music (MPB) (Meade 202). MPB was influenced by rhythms such as samba and rock. The music became successful with artists such as Elis Regina and Chico Buarque. By 1970s, Brazilian music was already popular internationally. Songs by Nelson do Cavaquinho and Cartola were already being played internationally. Artists from the northeastern parts of Brazil such as Maria Bethania, Gal Costa and Elba Ramalho captured the hearts of fans internationally.

The 1980s and the 1990s were characterized by music styles that were strongly influenced by foreign music. An example is punk and rock that rocked fans in the Rio Festival and left a mark in their hearts (Meade 202). The music styles were characterized by strong urban themes and majorly talked about love, social issues and issues concerning the youth. The renowned artists of this period were Cazuza, Raul Seixas, Paralamas and Cassia Eller. The 1990s also saw the emergence of Brazilian country or sertanejo music. It has very romantic over tunes and was mainly promoted by artists such as Leandro e Leonardo, Zeze di Camargo among others. The 21st century began with the emergence of several rock groups that were mainly associated with teenagers. Examples of rock groups include Skank and Charlie Brown.

The continue access of global culture by Brazil has led to the appreciation of its historical backgrounds. Brazilian music has always proved its diversity and originality even when it blends popular music and rhymes. The blending of different cultures and the variety in music styles has given Brazilian music a chance to recycle and recreate. Today, hip hop, samba, sertanejo, Bahian music, funk, and forro are some of the tunes developed in Brazil. The music in Brazil is evolving, growing and transforming, accessing different parts of the world and putting smiles on different faces with its diversity that represents the people of Brazil.

Like the songs and music of Brazil, its dance is also complex and varied. The various dancing styles have been due to exposure to external influence and the traditions of the local Amerindian tribes. Dance is a form of non-verbal communication used by humans to express their experiences and it has developed over