Music

Music

Brazilian music is as diverse as its culture. Music is a sophisticated combination of sounds stemming from native reed flutes; Portuguese viola playing and African thrilling rhythms. When the Jesuit priests arrived in Brazil in the 1500's they were introduced to the natives' rudimentary wind and percussion instruments.. The Jesuits made use of this music to teach their religion by replacing native words with religious ones using the native Tupi language. Soon these songs were played amongst the natives and in the Portuguese plaza for all to hear. These wind and percussion instruments were used by all.

African music was introduced during the years of slavery when people from western Africa were brought to Brazil to work on plantations. Africans introduced two popular music forms; the "lundu" and the "modinha". By the end of the 18th century many schools of music developed and from these many famous composers such as: Carlos Gomes and Mario de Andrade. Brazil's popular music developed parallel to its classical music. Pop music united traditional European instruments; guitar, piano and flute with a whole rhythm of section sounds produced by frying pans, small barrels with a membrane and a stick inside ( cuicas) and tambourines. By 1930 Brazilian music was world acclaimed. Some popular music you may have heard is the Samba. Samba is a combination of traditional Portuguese folk songs with traditional African rhythms.

Music is an important element in religious and other festivities. The Brazilian Carnival is one such activity. The Brazilian Carnival mixes both European and African traditions. The Carnival happens before Lent to celebrate fasting that happens before Easter. This Carnival lasts for five days. Beginning on Saturday before Ash Wednesday. People dress up in costumes and everyday life is transformed into something magical. There is music and dance on the streets coupled by parades and informal street parties or grand balls. Rich and poor, young and old, all participate in the carnival. Various dance schools perform in front of judges and compete for prizes. People sleep all over the beaches and city celebrating this magnificent event.

Student Activity:

Research and find Brazilian music. Plan and organize a Brazilian festival in your classroom whereby you would have Brazilian dances, costumes, food and drinks. You may want to learn how to Samba with your classmates!