50 Anos Depois
Francisco Alves
2002
Why This Album Matters
The album Francisco Alves: 50 Anos Depois, released in 2002 by the Revivendo label, is not a work of unreleased material, but rather a grandiose compilation celebrating the vast and seminal career of one of the greatest names in Brazilian popular music. This box set, comprising four CDs, is a sonic tribute to the 'Rei da Voz' (King of Voice), fifty years after his passing, offering a comprehensive overview of his invaluable contribution to Brazil's musical culture. Through 92 meticulously selected tracks, the album highlights Francisco Alves' versatility, exploring different facets of his artistry. The thematic divisions into 'as grandes versões', 'seresteiro', 'sambista' and 'carnavalesco' allow the listener a deep immersion into the genres and styles he mastered, from the emotive serestas to the vibrant sambas and carnival marchinhas that defined an era. It is an opportunity to revisit or discover the powerful voice and unmistakable interpretation that made Francisco Alves a popular phenomenon and a reference for generations of artists. The compilation is a historical and musical document that reaffirms Francisco Alves' status as a pillar of MPB, essential for understanding the evolution of Brazilian song in its golden age.
Context
Francisco de Morais Alves, born in 1898 in Rio de Janeiro and tragically deceased in 1952, was a central figure in Brazilian music between the 1920s and 1950s. Known as 'Chico Viola' and, subsequently, bestowed with the title 'Rei da Voz' (King of Voice) by radio host César Ladeira in 1933, he was an artist of humble origins who built a monumental career. His trajectory included everything from working as a shoeshine boy and taxi driver to becoming one of the country's most popular and prolific singers and composers, with a discography exceeding five hundred records. The 2002 edition of 50 Anos Depois fits into a context of valuing and rescuing the memory of Brazilian popular music. The Revivendo label, responsible for the release, is known for its work in preserving and re-releasing works by great names in old-time music, making accessible recordings that might otherwise be lost to time.
Recording
The recordings that make up 50 Anos Depois were originally made by Francisco Alves throughout his prolific career, which spanned from 1918 to 1952. During this period, recording techniques evolved, but many of the tracks present in the box set probably date from the first decades of his activity, when recordings were made at 78 rpm. The quality and sound of these recordings reflect the technology available at the time, often featuring arrangements for orchestras or regional ensembles that accompanied the singer's distinctive voice. The remastering and curation process for the 2002 compilation by the Revivendo label aimed to restore and optimise the sound of these historical recordings, seeking to preserve fidelity to the original performances. The Cravo Albin Dictionary of Brazilian Popular Music mentions that the box set details the sources and matrices used by the producers for the creation of the album, indicating careful research and treatment of the original material.
Songs
The selection of 92 tracks on 50 Anos Depois is a deep dive into Francisco Alves' repertoire, encompassing classics by various composers and some of his own works. The album is didactically divided into four themes: 'as grandes versões' (the great versions), which probably highlight his interpretations of well-known songs; 'seresteiro' (balladeer), focusing on romantic songs with softer melodies; 'sambista' (samba singer), showcasing his strong connection to samba; and 'carnavalesco' (carnival singer), featuring the marchinhas and festive songs that enlivened many carnivals. Among the songs listed in repertoires related to the album are 'Dá Nela', 'Grau 10' (composed by Lamartine Babo and Ary Barroso), 'Sandália de Prata', 'Palhaço', 'Eu Sonhei Que Tu Estavas Tão Linda !' and 'A Única Lembrança' (by Ary Barroso). These tracks exemplify the richness of his discography, which included sambas, marchinhas and waltzes. The song lyrics frequently address everyday themes, love and bohemian life, striking characteristics of Brazilian popular music from the first half of the 20th century. Francisco Alves' interpretation, with his tenor voice that consolidated as a baritone, was capable of conveying a range of emotions, from contagious joy to profound melancholy.
Legacy
The reception of Francisco Alves: 50 Anos Depois solidifies the enduring importance of the 'Rei da Voz' (King of Voice) to MPB. Although there are no specific sales or awards data for this 2002 compilation, the very release of such an extensive and thematically organised box set, fifty years after his death, demonstrates the continuous recognition of his legacy. The inclusion of Francisco Alves in various lists of great names in Brazilian music and the volume of his discography, with over five hundred records, attest to his influence and popularity. Francisco Alves was decisive in the construction of several popular music genres and acted as a filter for good songs, capable of boosting the careers of composers. He performed memorable duets with artists such as Mário Reis and recorded with names like Lamartine Babo and Ary Barroso. His death in 1952 caused great national commotion, and his name is revered to this day, with the Francisco Alves Museum in Miguel Pereira serving as a testament to his historical relevance. The album 50 Anos Depois, by bringing together his work, contributes to perpetuating the memory and impact of an artist who significantly shaped the landscape of Brazilian music.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Henrique Cazes
André Bellieny
Henrique Cazes
Paulo Sérgio Santos
Alexandre Maionese
César Faria
Déo Rian
Janine Houard
Beto Cazes
Zé Da Velha
Silvério Pontes
Luigi Hoffer
Alexandre Reis
Sérgio Lima Neto
Andréa Rocha
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Analyses
Francisco Alves 50 Anos Depois - Francisco Alves | LetrasWeb
letrasnaweb.com.br
Artista: Francisco Alves 23 faixas disponíveis 01Nem É Bom Falar 1002Eu Bem Sei 003Pra Me Livrar Do Mal 104Vai Cavar A Nota 405Caboca 606Na Virada Da Montanha 007Favela 008Serra Da Boa Esperança 009A Única Lembrança 710Aquarela Do Brasil 011Onde O Céu Azul É Mais Azul 012No Pé De Serra 013Culpe-Me 414Se É Pecado 715Adeus 016Tarde De Setembro 717Fracasso 018Caminhemos 019Quem Há De ...
Francisco Alves - Francisco Alves 50 Anos Depois - OUVIR MÚSICA
ouvirmusica.com.br
Venha ouvir "Nem É Bom Falar", "Eu Bem Sei", "Para Me Livrar do Mal" e muitas outras músicas do álbum Francisco Alves - Francisco Alves 50 Anos Depois!