Another item on our must-see list was experiencing authentic fado music. So last weekend, we made reservations at Fado oe Carma, a small restaurant recommended by my friend, Beck, who had recently traveled to Lisbon.
Many slots were filled, but we were able to get a spot for tonight. The six-course meal featured bread, appetizers, salad, entrée, dessert and coffee/tea. We enjoyed the main meal without rushing, and then around 9 PM, it was time for the music. The trio, two male guitar players and a female singer, entertained us from a small nook in the front, which was midway between the doorway and one of the walls.
According to Wikipedia, fado, meaning destiny or fate, is a music genre that can be traced to the 1820s-1830s. In popular belief, fado is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a sense of resignation, fate and melancholy. Today fado is commonly regarded as simply a form of song which can be about anything but must follow a certain traditional structure.
The guitar playing was especially lovely, and the singer had a beautiful voice. The mournful quality is very evident and distinguishes this form of music from others. After the first set of 3-4 songs, we were served dessert and lemon tea. Then a male singer replaced the female. His voice was deep and strong, also wonderful.
When we left, the rain had stopped, and we walked carefully along the slick cobblestoned streets to home.
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