The Different Types of Fado

 

Since its origin, fado has evolved and embraced new and different forms of expression.

Although its foundation lies in Traditional Fado, musical evolution and popular practices have enriched it with new styles, such as Fado-Canção, which became part of the Fado repertoire, as well as the Marchas.

 

Traditional Fado

Traditional Fado is rhythmically and melodically based on three main forms: Fado Menor, Fado Corrido, and Fado Mouraria. These three distinct fados are considered heirs to the older and more ancient fados that have been lost over time. Fado Menor is characterised by its sadness and melancholy. Composed in minor keys, it is one of the most prominent and widely performed fados. Fado Corrido, on the other hand, conveys joy. The final element of this trio, Fado Mouraria, is also composed in a major key, but with a moderate tempo. Together, these three styles form the foundation for countless traditional fado compositions.

 

Fado Canção

Fado-Canção began to be performed from the 1930s onwards. However, it distinguishes itself from other styles by including a chorus and leaning more towards popular, commercial music, thereby moving away from its original roots. Even so, Fado-Canção continues to address the traditional themes of fado, such as saudade, fate, love, jealousy, sorrow, suffering, and misfortune, but it can also be light-hearted and ironic, offering political and social critique.

 

Marchas

Additionally, marchas constitute another musical expression that has come to be part of the fado singers’ repertoire, thus being linked to Lisbon’s neighborhood culture. Through this culture, these more cheerful fados with a rhythm that encourages audience clapping, thus exalt these traditional neighborhoods.

 

Folklore

Lastly, Folklore became part of the repertoire of Fado houses in the post-war period. The growing influx of tourists encouraged the demand for and affirmation of the “typical.” As such, various folklore themes were adopted by fado singers, including Amália Rodrigues, and have continued to this day.

 

 

Bibliografia: NERY, R. (2004) PARA UMA HISTÓRIA DO FADO. Lisboa: Público/ Corda Seca.
Lopes, S. (2011) Fado Portugal200 Anos de Fado. Oeiras: SevenMuses