Brazilian Christmas songs
Egídio Leitão
Christmas songs that I can find, say, for example, in the U.S., Brazil
does not seem to have that big of a tradition in song. Take, for
instance, the number of CD releases that deal exclusively with Christmas
music. Better yet, how many Brazilian songs deal with the theme of
Christmas, Santa Claus (Papai Noel, as we call him), etc?
In 1995, Simone was the first Brazilian star to release an all-Christmas
music album. It sold over a million copies that year alone. Since
then, other artists have followed her lead. Sandy and Junior put out an
album the following year. Also, in 1996, a great all-star cast released
'A Brasilian Christmas' (yes, Brasilian with an "S"). This year, Ivan
Lins has released 'Um Novo Tempo.' Perhaps there are even more
Christmas albums coming out in Brazil now.
Besides the original Brazilian songs in 'A Brasilian Christmas,' how
many other songs can you think of that deal with Christmas, or at least
mention Christmas in its lyrics? Here's what comes to my mind now (not
including Brazilian versions of Christmas classics):
"Presente de Natal" (Nelcy Noronha)
"O Velhinho" (Octávio Filho)
"Natal das Crianças" (Blecaute)
"Boas Festas" (Assis Valente)
"Depois do Natal" (João Donato, Lysias Ênio, João Mello)
"Feliz Natal Papai Noel" (Martinho da Vila)
"Sonho de Natal" (Sadao Watanabe, Márcio M. Moreira) -- Leila Pinheiro
singing it!!!
"O Saco Cheio de Noel" (Gonzaguinha)
Here's a review I wrote for Luna Kafé (back in December 1996) for 'A
Brasilian Christmas.' The CD tracks follow this text.
CD Title: A Brasilian Christmas (Astor Place Recordings TCD 4006)
If you have ever wondered what it is like to spend Christmas in the
southern hemisphere, where it is summer in December, then you know what
to expect from A Brasilian Christmas. This collection of Christmas songs
from Brazil and the world is as colorful as its cover artwork by Sarajo
Frieden. Produced by Miles Goodman and Oscar Castro-Neves, A Brasilian
Christmas is like a who's who in Brazilian music. Joyce, Dori Caymmi,
Ivan Lins, Leo Gandelman, Gilson Peranzzetta, Oscar Castro-Neves,
Ricardo Silveira, Toninho Horta, and João Bosco all add their talents to
what is soon destined to become a classic Brazilian recording. As an
extra bonus to the great music and performances, the superb liner notes
by Joseph A. Page will give you the best portrait of Christmas in Brazil
if you cannot be there during the holiday season.
Each song in this release receives a special treatment from its
performer transforming the melody in something uniquely Brazilian.
Whether with the instrumental pieces, such as "Air on Six Strings," or
even with the English vocals, special care was taken to present a
Brazilian flavor in every song. The opening track, Schubert's "Ave
Maria," admirably mixes sleigh bells with Brazilian percussion. "Ave
Maria" becomes a samba complete with the angelic voices of Denise
Dumont, Bebel Gilberto (daughter of João Gilberto, the father of Bossa
Nova), and Lois Albez. As you hear Ivan Lins in "White Christmas," for
example, you will likely wonder whether Lins could have written that
melody. When Dori Caymmi brings his mellow voice to "The Christmas
Song," you will almost feel the balmy air as the gentle rhythm sways you
giving you the incomparable sensation of being in a hammock under
coconut trees on a beach in Bahia. Now, that is an image to think of
during cold winter days in the northern hemisphere!
Song after song, A Brasilian Christmas will amaze you. Joyce treats
"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" to a lively forró, that Brazilian
northeastern rhythm. "Silent Night," with both English and Portuguese
lyrics, brings the calm that song deserves. However, you should brace
yourself for the biggest and most rewarding surprise of the CD: João
Bosco's own Brazilian version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Bosco's
words kept the idea of the original lyrics about going home during the
holidays and added a perfect Brazilian twist. The arrangement is
typically Bosco, including his guitar artistry and scatting technique.
To complete this holiday treat (though mistakenly credited as "O
Velhinho"), Joyce delivers a beautiful rendition of Brazil's most famous
Christmas song: Assis Valente's "Boas Festas."
TRACKS:
Ave Maria - Toninho Horta & Oscar Castro-Neves
The Christmas Song - Dori Caymmi
Air on a Six String - Global
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Joyce
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Dori Caymmi
I'll Be Home for Christmas - João Bosco
Dance Natahl - Global
O Velhinho - Joyce [Actually, it's Boas Festas]
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Joyce
White Christmas - Ivan Lins
Jingle Bells - Toninho Horta & Oscar Castro-Neves
Silent Night - Dori Caymmi
What Child Is This? (Greensleeves) - Gilson Peranzzetta
---
Egídio
Peri
<egi...@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu> wrote:
> Besides the original Brazilian songs in 'A Brasilian Christmas,' how
> many other songs can you think of that deal with Christmas, or at least
> mention Christmas in its lyrics?
There is this song, "Borboleta" (Butterfly), that Marisa Monte
recorded in her album Mais.
BORBOLETA
(Folclore Nordestino)
Borboleta pequenina
saia fora do rosal
Venha ver quanta alegria
Que hoje é noite de Natal
Eu sou uma borboleta
Pequenina e feiticeira
Ando no meio das flores
Procurando quem me queira
Borboleta pequenina
Venha para o meu cordão
Venha ver cantar o hino
Que hoje é noite de Natal
Peri
julie...@my-deja.com
egi...@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu wrote:
> I don't know why it is that way, but contrary to the vast number of
> Christmas songs that I can find, say, for example, in the U.S., Brazil
> does not seem to have that big of a tradition in song. Take, for
> instance, the number of CD releases that deal exclusively with
Christmas
> music. Better yet, how many Brazilian songs deal with the theme of
> Christmas, Santa Claus (Papai Noel, as we call him), etc?
> Egídio
I can remember a Christmas song composed by Maestro Hervé Cordovil. He
composed it for his 5 year old daughter Maria Regina who sang in the 78
rpm recorded. I think the title is "Carta ao Papai Noel" and the lyrics
go like this:
Querido Papai Noel
Vou fazer o meu pedido para o dia de Natal
Uma boneca bem grande
Se for pequena não faz mal, etc, etc.
I was 9 or 10 years old at that time so I think this song was recorded
in 1959 or 1960. All I know is that it was a great success just because
the little girl was so cute. Her brother is former rock singer Ronnie
Cord (Ronaldo Cordovil). I wonder if you can remember the Cordovil
family from São Paulo. From the early 60's on I've never heard of them.
But that Xmas song I could never forget.
Juliene de Pádua>
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.