There's no way to hear or read about Portugal and not know that one of the country's main musical styles is fado. It is usually sung by a single person (Fado singer) accompanied by a classical guitar (in fado media called viola) and a Portuguese guitar. The fact is that fado is considered a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in a declaration approved by the VI Intergovernmental Committee since 2011.
Fado explained by Amália Rodrigues
Now that we have explained a little about this style, the question remains:
Who was Amália Rodrigues?
Amália da Piedade Rebordão Rodrigues was born in Fundão on July 23, 1920 and died in Lisbon on October 6, 1999. She was a fantastic Portuguese singer, actress and fado singer, usually acclaimed as the voice of Portugal and elected one of the brightest singers of the 20th century. You can visit his tomb in the National Pantheon, among other illustrious Portuguese people.
She became known worldwide as the Queen of Fado and, consequently, due to the symbolism that this musical genre has in Portuguese culture, was considered by many as one of its best ambassadors in the world.
With appearances on various television programs around the world, where he not only sang fado and other songs of Portuguese popular tradition, but also contemporary songs (starting the so-called fado-song) and even some music of foreign origin (French, American, Spanish, Italian, Mexican and Brazilian). Next door we can see his arrival in Brazil where he caused it.
With his remarkable contribution to the history of Fado, the novelty he introduced of singing poems by great Portuguese authors consecrated, after being set to music, such as the lyric of Luís de Camões or the songs and trovas of D. Dinis, it was a success at the time. His film debut was in 1947, with the film Capas Negras, considered a milestone in European and Latin cinema, having been in theatres for more than a year and being the greatest success of Lusitanian cinema to date.
Until his death in October 1999, 170 albums had been published under his name in 30 countries, selling more than 30 million copies worldwide, a number 3 times larger than the population of Portugal.
Where can I learn more about Amália Rodrigues?
Whether through a reading of the work AMÁLIA, A BIOGRAPHY by Victor Pavão dos Santos or the CATALOGUE AMÁLIA: CORAÇÃO INDEPENDENTE, 2009.
You can also visit the Amália Rodrigues House-Museum. A space dedicated to the singer where you can find pieces used by her, paintings, discs, and much more. There is an incredible space, Jardim da Casa-Museum, where there are presentations by fado singers reproducing Amalia's songs. In addition to a store with products in which they can be purchased, such as: Shawls and Fans hand painted by Judith Pitta, CDs, books, Ouronor jewellery inspired by the iconics that Amália wore, postcards and magnets, among others.
Below, Secret Lisbon (www.lisboasecreta.co) shares with everyone a little of the space, Casa-Museum, dedicated to Amália. And a tip: this site is fantastic for those looking for images and historical information about Portugal.
Instagram playback @lisboasecreta
How to get to the Amália Rodrigues House-Museum
Through the subway take the Mouse line (yellow line) or by bus - Carris 706, 727 (São Bento Street stop).
Hours of Operation
Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm
Price
Adult – 7€
Over 65 years of age - 6€
Students up to 25 years old - 4,5€
Lisbon Card - 5,6€
Children up to 12 years old accompanied by adults (parents or guardians) - free of charge
For more information, click here.
A Strange Way of Life
On a site dedicated exclusively to Amália Rodrigues you will find year after year the striking facts in which she experienced. It's fantastic!
Click here, And delight in one of Portugal's remarkable stories.