“Once someone said
That fado put to sleep
Those who heard it’s moaning
That it takes away our energies
That it takes away our happiness
That it is a song of the defeated
It is a heresy, it is a sin
To say such things about fado
To make such a statement
If fado is sad, when it is sung
It only brings to tears
Those who have a heart.”
– Dom António de Bragança, Portuguese poet/lyricist
Early Tuesday evening we caught the final two songs sung by the owner of the small wine cellar, Adega Rio Douro. .
Every Tuesday from 4:30 till 7:30 they have an open mic for fado music, the traditional music from Portugal. The room was packed, but I was able to squeeze inside the door.
Three guitarist accompanied the singer. Above them hung a portrait of a beautiful young woman. Was this the singer in her youth? Because I don’t speak Portuguese the lyrics of the song being sung were lost to me. But not the music. I must have a heart because the music – filled with longing, acceptance and hope – touched me deeply.
I know where I’ll be next Tuesday afternoon.
