Chico Buarque
Chico Buarque
1978
Why This Album Matters
The album Chico Buarque, released in 1978, is a seminal work in Chico Buarque's discography and an undeniable landmark of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). At the height of the Brazilian military dictatorship, this work stood out for its lyrical audacity and musical sophistication, encapsulating the spirit of resistance and the artistic genius that characterised the period. The fusion of deeply personal compositions with veiled and explicit criticisms of the regime elevated the album to a level of lasting cultural and political relevance. It not only solidified Chico Buarque's reputation as one of Brazil's greatest poets and composers, but also became a sonic document of the struggle for freedom of expression. The way the artist managed to transition between the melodic beauty of MPB and the urgency of the protest message, challenging censorship through metaphors and double meanings, is a testament to his perspicacity. This album is essential for understanding the complexity of Brazilian music produced under repression, offering refuge and a voice for hope in dark times.
Context
The release of Chico Buarque in 1978 occurred during a period of intense repression in Brazil, under the aegis of the military dictatorship that lasted from 1964 to 1985. Censorship was an omnipresent tool of the regime, aiming to control media, artists, and any form of expression that could be interpreted as subversive. Many artists were imprisoned, tortured, or exiled, and creative freedom was severely limited, forcing them to develop ingenious strategies to communicate their messages. Chico Buarque, in particular, was a figure constantly targeted by censorship, having already faced imprisonment and exile. His return to Brazil in the early 1970s marked a phase in which his work became even more politically engaged, and the 1978 album reflects this reality. The need to circumvent censors profoundly shaped the language and aesthetics of his compositions, transforming song into a battlefield and a form of resistance.
Recording
The album Chico Buarque was released in November 1978, under the PolyGram and Philips Records labels. Production was handled by Sérgio de Carvalho, who conducted the recording sessions that resulted in a refined sound characteristic of MPB at the time. The musical richness of the record was amplified by the special appearances of great names in Brazilian music, who lent their talents to the tracks. Among the notable collaborators, Milton Nascimento lends his iconic voice to the track "Cálice", while Elba Ramalho and Marieta Severo participate in "O Meu Amor". The then revelation Zizi Possi delivers a striking performance on "Pedaço de Mim". The vocal group MPB-4 also contributed backing vocals on some songs, and Miltinho added acoustic guitar to several tracks, consolidating the instrumental and vocal quality of the work.
Songs
The repertoire of the album Chico Buarque is a testament to the lyrical and melodic genius of its creator, with several songs that became anthems of MPB. Two of the greatest highlights are, without a doubt, the protest songs that directly confronted censorship. "Cálice", composed in partnership with Gilberto Gil and featuring Milton Nascimento's powerful interpretation, is an exquisite example of the art of circumventing repression. The title plays on the word 'cálice' (chalice or goblet) and the sound of 'cale-se' (be silent), transforming the chorus into a cry of silencing and, paradoxically, of resistance. The lyrics address the absence of freedom of expression and even allude to methods of torture employed by the military regime. Another great success, "Apesar de Você", although released previously, was included in the album and consolidated itself as a powerful anthem against the dictatorship, with its chorus speaking of the inevitable day when the darkness will cease. In addition to the protest songs, the album features gems such as "Feijoada Completa", which celebrates Brazilian culture with lightness, "Pedaço de Mim", which marked the beginning of Zizi Possi's career, and "O Meu Amor", with the voices of Elba Ramalho and Marieta Severo. Other notable tracks include "Trocando em Miúdos", "Homenagem ao Malandro", and "Até o Fim", which explore varied themes with Chico Buarque's compositional mastery. The album also innovates by including a version of the song "Pequeña Serenata Diurna" by the Cuban Silvio Rodríguez.
Legacy
Chico Buarque (1978) achieved tremendous success, establishing itself as one of the best-selling and most influential albums in Brazilian music. Even before its official release, the record had already registered an impressive pre-sale of 30,000 copies. In 1979, the album received Gold record certification from ABPD, for sales exceeding 150,000 copies. Commercial impact continued to grow significantly after the song "Cálice" was cleared by censorship in March 1980. As reported by Manchete magazine, the album reached the mark of 700,000 copies sold in Brazil, a remarkable feat for the time and an indication of its profound resonance with the public. Beyond its sales success, the album is frequently cited as one of Chico Buarque's most important works, with its lyrics studied in Portuguese undergraduate courses, attesting to its lasting literary and cultural relevance. The album not only boosted Chico Buarque's career, but also launched Zizi Possi to stardom with the song "Pedaço de Mim".
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Sérgio De Carvalho
Barroso
Ivan Lisnik
Luigi Hoffer, Sérgio De Carvalho
Ary Carvalhaes, Luis Cláudio Coutinho, Paulo Sergio
Jorge Vianna
Aldo Luiz
Januário Garcia
Podcasts
QUER QUE EU RESENHE? · André Marx
Enfim o Chico estreia no canal!!!! Em mais um episódio do GUARDA ESSA CANÇÃO, André Marx fala de uma canção composta pelo cubano Silvio Rodríguez, numa versão sublime do gênio Chico Buarque. E domingo entrará no ar outro GUARDA ESSA CANÇÃO que analisa a "homenagem" que Chico compôs para essa canção. O quadro GUARDA ESSA CANÇÃO (batizado em homenagem à canção homônima do Barão Vermelho) será o
Comunidade Releitura · Isa
O álbum Chico Buarque (1978) é um verdadeiro marco da música brasileira. 🎭✨ Com letras afiadas, poesia envolvente e uma crítica social que atravessa gerações, esse disco segue mais atual do que nunca.Nesta edição da Comunidade Releitura, vamos mergulhar nas histórias por trás das músicas, discutir seus significados e sentir na pele a força da arte como resistência. Quem já está preparando a playl
Não Custa Pensar · Ferz Henrique
Nesta nova seção no podcast, intitulada Música Nacional: Cultura Brasileira em Músicas Inesquecíveis, abordamos, em sua primeira entrega, o disco Chico Buarque 1978. Faixa a faixa comentamos suas músicas emblemáticas e oferecemos uma análise crítica de cada música. https://youtu.be/hX_sM2MKD64
Videos
Chico Buarque 1978 - Chico Buarque - José Cândido
José Cândido
Música Nacional: Chico Buarque 1978 #musica
Podcast Não Custa Pensar
Films
Certas Palavras com Chico Buarque
1980
The life and work of Brazilian singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer, playwright, writer and poet Chico Buarque de Hollanda.
Chico Buarque - Roda Viva
2005
The 60s were very turbulent. Cultural changes, such as the behavioural revolution, political unrest and the cogs of the entertainment industry, form the backdrop for this twelfth DVD in the retrospective series of Chico Buarque's work, focusing on the composer's early career. The images show the live acclaimed performances of A Banda (1966), Disparada (1966), Roda Viva (1967), Alegria, Alegria (1967) and Sabiá (1968). All commented on by Chico himself.
Chico Buarque - Saltimbancos
2005
"Saltimbancos", a box set from the retrospective series on Chico Buarque's work, addresses the composer's relationship with the children's world. The DVD features the soundtrack adapted by Chico from the musical Os Saltimbancos, which is essential in any home with children. Discover the creative process of one of Brazil's most important artists!
Chico Buarque - Cinema
2005
The unforgettable magic of cinema songs, forever etched in memory alongside the films, is the theme of this tenth DVD in the series dedicated to the work of composer Chico Buarque. Recorded in the picturesque town of Paraty, the DVD reveals the composer's fascination with cinema and the art of composing for the screen. Chico talks about his participations in various films and teenage idols, such as Marlon Brando and Jeanne Moreau. And he sings Ela Faz Cinema, composed especially for the series.
Chico Buarque - O Futebol
2005
Chico Buarque's passion for football is rivalled only by his connection to music, and sometimes it even takes precedence. In this eighth DVD from the retrospective series of his work, Chico reminisces, at the Maracanã stadium, about the great players and moving moments of Brazilian football, such as the defeat to Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final. At Confeitaria Colombo in Rio, he performs sambas that speak of football, and on the informal football pitch in Barra da Tijuca, he receives visits from idols Pagão and Pelé. The DVD shows the artist playing football in the cities of Santos, Rio, Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris and Budapest, and also features a selection of memorable plays and goals by stars such as Pelé, Garrincha, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. It also features a meeting with Ronaldinho in Barcelona, where the subject, as expected, was music and football.
Books
Chico Buarque's First Chico Buarque
Charles A. Perrone · 2022
Este livro oferece uma análise crítica e aprofundada do álbum autointitulado de Chico Buarque (1978), considerado um dos mais representativos da carreira do artista. A obra explora os talentos singulares do cantor e compositor como poeta e criador de canções com apelo popular e profunda capacidade analítica.
The 500 Greatest Brazilian Albums of All Time
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The election was spearheaded by journalist Ricardo Alexandre, creator of the Discoteca Básica podcast. Ricardo consulted 162 specialists including journalists, YouTubers, podcasters, musicians, record-shop owners and producers. The result was published as a 200-page hardcover book, with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Chico Buarque para todos
Regina Zappa · 2016
Este é o livro resultante da primeira vez que Chico Buarque concordou em falar extensivamente sobre sua vida e carreira para a publicação de sua história. Foram muitas horas de conversas, caminhadas, visitas aos bastidores de shows, ao campo de futebol e encontros com amigos, parceiros e familiares.
Analyses
Chico Buarque – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Música Nacional: Chico Buarque 1978 - Não Custa Pensar
naocustapensar.com
Nesta nova seção no podcast, intitulada Música Nacional: Cultura Brasileira em Músicas Inesquecíveis, abordamos, em sua primeira entrega, o disco Chico Buarque 1978.
Chico Buarque, 1978 - Jornal O Globo
oglobo.globo.com
Quando o Rio de Janeiro for alguma cidade submersa e os escafandristas vierem explorar os desvãos de um apartamento em Copacabana, vão encontrar os discos do Chico.
OBRA - Chico Buarque
chicobuarque.com.br
Chico Buarque é um álbum do músico brasileiro Chico Buarque, lançado em 1978. O disco traz grandes sucessos do músico, entre os quais estão as músicas de protesto contra a ditadura militar "Cálice" (com participação de Milton Nascimento)...
Chico Buarque - A Música de Chico Buarque (1978) - OUVIR MÚSICA
ouvirmusica.com.br
Venha ouvir "A Banda", "Sabiá", "Rosa Dos Ventos" e muitas outras músicas do álbum Chico Buarque - A Música de Chico Buarque (1978)!
Discogs
Chico Buarque – Discogs
discogs.com