Bossa Nova A Short Feature - By: Tauqeer Hassan

A Brazilian style of music closely related to Jazz is called Bossa Nova. It is also known for its off key interpretations where higher range than the instrument is used for melody. The swaying motion is also an identity of Bossa Nova rather than the swinging motion of Jazz and Samba.

Brazil is located in the tropics of South America and the speaking language of this country is called Portuguese. Slaves from Africa settled here and they brought very distinctive culture with them. This is one of the reasons which make Brazilian music unique on the world stage.

The name Bossa Nova generally means ‘New Trend’ and the word ‘bossa’ was synonymous with anything that was cool and hip. Brazil is most often associated with the Samba style of music which evolved the Bossa Nova. It is also expressed as more harmonious complex and less percussive.

During the 1950s, Brazil was developing economically and becoming a progressive nation. There was also development in music and many new singers and bands were sought out. The Bossa Nova styles were extremely popular in clubs among the middle and upper classes.

The person to be credited with the invention of Bossa Nova style is João Gilberto. However, he did not perform the first Bossa Nova released song and he only played a guitar while accompanying a famous Brazilian actress - Elizete Cardoso. A sensational hit song named “Chega de Saudade” was written by Vinícious de Moraes and Tom Jobim.

The craze of Bossa Nova lasted for a shot time of only six years - 1958 to 1963 in Brazil. It had made its way to US by the end of this time and was picked up by big artists like Charlie Byrd, Herbie Mann, Frank Sinatra and Stan Getz. The Bossa Nova had now arrived in the history of music and the willing global audience was ready to buy it.

Bossa Nova was the biggest during this time a signature tune was released called tune “The Girl from Ipanema”. It was shortly replaced by other music forms but it is unique with other styles of music.

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You might also be interested in learning the history of Bossa Nova and also the history of Guitar.

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