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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBUARQUE, Chico de Holanda(b '44, São Paulo, Brazil) Poet, composer, singer, son of a celebrated historian, became a key figure in Brazilian popular culture. His first hit 'A Banda' ('The Parade') became a carnival classic; he made his first TV appearance '65 shortly before military repression in Brazil intensified; problems with censors culminated in a raid by CCC (anti-communist organization) on the Galpão Theatre in São Paulo '68 and Buarque's exile in Italy '69-70; copies of his 'Apesar de Você' ('In Spite Of You'), about oppression and dedicated to the President of Brazil, were seized in record shops. His 'Grandola Vila Morena' '75 was a hymn to the Portuguese revolution, the lyrics later adapted for Brazil. A prolific writer, initially of both lyrics and music, latterly often lyrics only, his distinguished collaborators include Tom Jobim, Francis Hime, Ruy Guerra, Milton Nascimento, João Bosco and Edu Lobo. His wide range of unusual subjects is usually socio-political; typical is 'Construção', about the suicide of a construction worker. 'Mulheres de Atenas' ('Women Of Athens') has a strong feminist tone; he has written several songs from a woman's viewpoint. Even love songs take original angles, e.g. 'Tatuagem' ('Tattoo'). His lyrics, often heavy with irony, stand as fine poetry in their own right; the music is often melancholy, with clever rhythms counterpointed by a choral or string section playing the melody. His songs were covered in Cuba by Los Van Van; in NYC Willie Colón made covers. A visit to an Angolan festival '80 with other Brazilian artists inspired 'Morena de Angola' ('Black Girl Of Angola'), a no. 1 in Brazil. His voice is inimitable, like a sweetly muffled foghorn, but he is a reluctant performer; there were no stage shows 1975-84. Many albums (beginning '66) were often confusingly called Chico Buarque; others include the haunting Chico Canta '73, Sinal Fechado '74 (works of other songwriters), much-loved Meus Caros Amigos '76, the highly personal Paras Todos '93. Also writes shows, such as Gota D'Agua '77, Opera do Malandro ('Streetbum', based on a 'Mack The Knife' theme; there are several recorded versions); excellent novels: Turbulence was a best-seller in Brazil, followed by Benjamin in the '90s. There are recordings of concerts with Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia. He was married to actress Marieta Severo. TV documentary Certas Palavras Con Chico Buarque '80 ('Some Words With...') reflected status; he also did a film soundtrack Eu Te Amo '81; French President Mitterrand gave him a medal '84; Chico Buarque: Letra e Musica '94 collected lyrics of all his recorded songs in book form; A Simple Brazilian Song: Journeys Through The Rio Sound '97 by James Woodall is an eloquent fan letter, especially for Buarque. |