Loving The Music Of Lisbon
The language of Lisbon is very musical in itself. As such, it is no wonder that Lisboans love their music - it is in their language, after all! And to reinforce the fact of its musicality, Portuguese is used even by non-native speakers in their recordings to give it the unique Lisboan touch.
Lest anybody thinks that Lisbon is only about fado, think again. Although the classic Portuguese music is still very popular in the city, other musical forms such as rock and hip hop are fast gaining ground amongst the populace. Because of such assimilation of foreign influences, the Lisbon music scene is set to rock the world.
Fado: Literally translated as "fate" in English, fado was originally the music of the urban poor in the city. As such, the songs speak of a hard life marked by sadness, loneliness and poverty and yet, true to the resiliency of the Portuguese spirit, are still firmly in control of one's dignity and destiny.
Also, it must be emphasized that although the stereotypical image of fado is one of mournful lyrics and tunes of life as a poor individual, it can be about anything, too. The fado singer and composer just need to follow certain conventions in the music.
Pimba: Now, if you want to be entertained by raunchy lyrics and music, then we suggest going to the many clubs featuring pimba. This is a category of Portuguese music where the songs are characterized by sexual innuendos, jokes and puns, often in the tradition of folk music. The genre combines the accordion with Latin beats and funny lyrics.
Although there are critics of the pimba, one cannot deny that it is very amusing and entertaining to listen to. After all, music need not be elevating at all times because it should speak to our souls and of our souls hunger for naughty but fun songs, then pimba it is.
Latin and African Music: Lisbon being an immigration haven for many peoples, it is to be expected that many influences will come pouring in to the city. Thus, there are areas where Latin and African music are played, with beats as different as night is from day. This, of course, makes for a music scene that cleverly combines all cultures to coexist in one city.
Other Music Genres: As can be expected, too, Lisbon is host to many other music forms with more recent roots. There are specific venues for jazz and blues, reggae and ska, pop and rock as well as metal in its many forms. Many of the exponents of these musical forms have attained fame and fortune outside of the city and of the country.
It is very easy to fall in love with the music scene in Lisbon. It reflects life in all its sadness and joys as well as passion and madness, probably more than any other country. But that may just be an exaggeration. What is not an exaggeration, however, is the fact that booking your holiday apartment in Lisbon through the Internet is the best thing you can do before visiting the city.
Lest anybody thinks that Lisbon is only about fado, think again. Although the classic Portuguese music is still very popular in the city, other musical forms such as rock and hip hop are fast gaining ground amongst the populace. Because of such assimilation of foreign influences, the Lisbon music scene is set to rock the world.
Fado: Literally translated as "fate" in English, fado was originally the music of the urban poor in the city. As such, the songs speak of a hard life marked by sadness, loneliness and poverty and yet, true to the resiliency of the Portuguese spirit, are still firmly in control of one's dignity and destiny.
Also, it must be emphasized that although the stereotypical image of fado is one of mournful lyrics and tunes of life as a poor individual, it can be about anything, too. The fado singer and composer just need to follow certain conventions in the music.
Pimba: Now, if you want to be entertained by raunchy lyrics and music, then we suggest going to the many clubs featuring pimba. This is a category of Portuguese music where the songs are characterized by sexual innuendos, jokes and puns, often in the tradition of folk music. The genre combines the accordion with Latin beats and funny lyrics.
Although there are critics of the pimba, one cannot deny that it is very amusing and entertaining to listen to. After all, music need not be elevating at all times because it should speak to our souls and of our souls hunger for naughty but fun songs, then pimba it is.
Latin and African Music: Lisbon being an immigration haven for many peoples, it is to be expected that many influences will come pouring in to the city. Thus, there are areas where Latin and African music are played, with beats as different as night is from day. This, of course, makes for a music scene that cleverly combines all cultures to coexist in one city.
Other Music Genres: As can be expected, too, Lisbon is host to many other music forms with more recent roots. There are specific venues for jazz and blues, reggae and ska, pop and rock as well as metal in its many forms. Many of the exponents of these musical forms have attained fame and fortune outside of the city and of the country.
It is very easy to fall in love with the music scene in Lisbon. It reflects life in all its sadness and joys as well as passion and madness, probably more than any other country. But that may just be an exaggeration. What is not an exaggeration, however, is the fact that booking your holiday apartment in Lisbon through the Internet is the best thing you can do before visiting the city.
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