Ofertório
Caetano Veloso, Moreno Veloso, Zeca Veloso, Tom Veloso
2018
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Ofertório, released in 2018, is an album of rare beauty and significance in Caetano Veloso's discography, featuring him alongside his three sons: Moreno, Zeca and Tom Veloso. This work stands out for its intimate and contemplative atmosphere, exploring a voice and guitar format, with the musicians alternating on other instruments, such as bass, cello, percussion, and keyboards. It is a celebration of family musicality and the passing of the baton between generations, with a repertoire that spans classics from Caetano's career and original compositions by his sons. The album represents an organic and vulnerable encounter, where the delicacy of the arrangements and the union of voices create a profound listening experience. Far from grand productions, the sound evokes a homely and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the melodic and poetic richness of each song. It is an invitation to reflect on family ties, the passage of time, and emotional legacy.
Context
The Ofertório project was born from Caetano Veloso's desire to grow closer to his adult sons, conceiving a show that would unite their four voices and talents. The idea had been cherished by Caetano for a long time, and the family collaboration materialised in a tour that preceded the album's release. The song that gives the album its name, "Ofertório", was composed by Caetano in 1997 for his mother, Dona Canô's, 90th birthday mass, and its theme of gratitude and surrender to life resonates with the project's proposal to honour the family's matriarchs.
Recording
The album Ofertório is a live recording of one of Caetano Veloso's tour shows with his sons. It was recorded at Theatro NET, in São Paulo, on 27 October 2017. The album's production was overseen by Paula Lavigne and Lucas Arruda, with arrangements by Caetano, Moreno, Zeca, and Tom Veloso themselves. The recording aimed to capture the intimacy and spontaneity of the quartet on stage, resulting in an almost acoustic sound, with Caetano on guitar and vocals, and his sons alternating on guitar, bass, cello, percussion, keyboards, and vocals.
Songs
The repertoire of Ofertório is a mixture of classic Caetano compositions, such as "Alegria, Alegria", "Oração ao Tempo", "Reconvexo", and "Força Estranha", with works by his sons. Highlights include the unreleased tracks "Todo Homem", by Zeca Veloso, which evokes a profound lyricism and a melody reminiscent of Caetano's 70s work, "Clarão", by Tom Veloso, and "Um Passo à Frente", by Moreno Veloso and Quito Ribeiro. The title track "Ofertório", written by Caetano, expresses gratitude and surrender, with the lyrics being a tribute to life, family, and emotional heritage, even coming from a Caetano who considers himself non-religious. The album also includes a reinterpretation of "O Seu Amor", by Gilberto Gil, and a relaxed funk track titled "Alexandrino", by Caetano, which was a playful attempt to make Tom dance passinho.
Legacy
Ofertório was well-received by critics, who highlighted the family harmony and the musical quality of the project. The tour that originated the album featured sold-out shows, demonstrating public interest in this unprecedented line-up. The concert DVD presents 28 tracks, including Caetano's greatest hits and new compositions by his sons, broadening the reach and celebration of this generational encounter. The project is seen as a reaffirmation of Caetano's musicality and as a platform to more prominently introduce Moreno, Zeca, and Tom's talents to the public.
Tracks
Films
Books
Analyses
Resenha: "Ofertório" - Moreno, Zeca, Tom e Caetano Veloso (2018)
br.nacaodamusica.com
"Ofertório" delivers a beautiful family reunion to the public. There's nothing to take away, nothing to add. The album is simply the audio taken from a great show by the Velosos, who were each recognised for their talent in their own way, but all under Caetano's influence.
Crítica: 'Ofertório', de Caetano e filhos, é disco para ser feliz num ...
oglobo.globo.com
With the country in turmoil, fear and uncertainty in the air, a dive into the 28 tracks available from this morning on Spotify is an inspiring escape from the maelstrom.
2018 - Ofertório - Caetano, Moreno, Zeca e Tom Veloso
caetanoefoda.blogspot.com
Now, with "Ofertório", more than ever: Moreno and I were already familiar with Hélio's genius, but Zeca and Tom were surprised and moved by what he showed and observed in his comments.
Caetano Completo: 2018 - Ofertório - Blogger
caetanocompleto.blogspot.com
"We decided to title our show's CD/DVD 'Ofertório' (which, until then, was known only by the list of our names in order of age and number of syllables: Caetano Moreno Zeca Tom - Veloso) after it had already been presented in seasons in Rio and São Paulo, as well as a visit to BH. It's because the song I wrote for the mass...
Música: "Ofertório", de Caetano, Moreno, Zeca e Tom Veloso
screamyell.com.br
The new album, "Ofertório", alongside his sons Moreno, Zeca and Tom, is an album of love songs and delicate touches, which has nothing to do with our current moment – for better or for worse.
