Brazilian Music
The population of Brazil is extremely diverse, due to the vast expanse of territory the country covers, and the many different ethnic and cultural groups it encompasses. One excellent venue for examining this cultural diversity is the music of Brazil. Through out the past five hundred years, the history of Brazilian music has developed many different styles including choro, brega, sertanejo, forro, samba, frevo, Bossa nova, Brazilian rock, MPB, and axe. The different musical styles have been influenced by European, African, and Amerindian forms. Samba is most definitely the best known form of Brazilian music, and other styles like Bossa nova have received a great deal of attention abroad. There is also a large community modern and experimental composition, like electro acoustic music. These many styles have developed a solid tradition of Brazilian music.
Colonial music is the earliest known form of music in Brazil and dates back to 1578. In this year, several settlers recorded and wrote down the music of native Brazilian ethnic groups. One of these early forms was Lundu, a style of comedic song and dance that was extremely popular.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, classical music in Brazil was hugely influenced by musical styles practiced in Europe like the Viennese classical style. Jose Mauricio Nunes Garcia was one of the first major Brazilian composers. He composed several sacred pieces and some secular music, including the opera LE Due Gemelle.
Indigenous music is also a very important part of the Brazilian musical culture. The native peoples of Brazil play many instruments like whistles, horns, flutes, rattles, and drums. Much folk music originates around the Amazon Rainforest. Jesuit missionaries later created songs that used the Tupi language to relay Christian lyrics in attempt to convert the locals to Christianity. These missionaries also introduced Gregorian chants, and the use of flutes, bows, and calichords.
The origin of popular Brazilian music can be traced back to the 1930s. This was the radio era and produced many popular songs. With this period there also came a substantial predominance of women. Popular music usually includes many instruments like cuicas, frying pans, tambourines, guitars, and the piano. The most famous Brazilian singer in Carmen Miranda and she went on to become an internationally renowned Hollywood film star. Her songwriter Ary Barroso was also one of the most successful songwriters in early Brazil, joined by Lamartine Babo and Noel Rosa.
Some of the most popular music in Brazil includes hip hop, reggae and rock and most of it speaks strongly on opinions about the government and social standards. Across the country music is used to get points across and relay messages. It embodies the sociopolitical views of the people, and many different messages can be heard in songs.
Because of the many different cultural influences on Brazil, its music reflects the great diversity of culture and ethnicity in the country. The most popular music in any one group varies greatly from region to region, but there are also popular songs and styles that unify the country.