O Canto Livre de Nara
Nara Leão
1965
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
O Canto Livre de Nara, released in May 1965, is a seminal album that marks a significant rupture in Nara Leão's artistic trajectory and in Música Popular Brasileira itself. Previously known as the "muse of Bossa Nova", Nara transitions in this work to a more engaged and defiant voice, consolidating her position as one of the pioneers of the "canção de protesto" in Brazil. This record transcends the gentle style of Bossa Nova, exploring creative stylistic diversity and jazzy arrangements with cabaret touches, resulting in a work that is both temperamental and enchanting. The artist demonstrates a vocal and interpretive freedom that aligns with the new poetic and political perspectives of the era.
Context
The album was released during a turbulent period in Brazilian history, approximately one year after the 1964 military coup, which established a 21-year dictatorship in the country. The political situation was one of increasing repression and censorship, with the military regime imposing authoritarian measures and carrying out persecutions. Nara Leão, who previously embodied the Bossa Nova ideal, began to develop a more pronounced political consciousness. She began to give a voice to samba de morro composers and openly position herself against hyper-nationalism and the military regime, an attitude that would be reflected in her work and performances, such as the emblematic show "Opinião".
Recording
O Canto Livre de Nara was produced by Dorival Caymmi Filho and released by the Philips record label in May 1965. Musical direction and piano were handled by Luiz Eça, a member of Tamba Trio, who contributed multifaceted arrangements that perfectly harmonised with Nara's vocal abilities. Nara Leão was accompanied in the recording by Dori Caymmi on guitar, Bebeto Castilho on bass and flute, and Rubens Ohana on drums. The album's booklet featured a text written by the renowned poet Ferreira Gullar.
Songs
The album's songs stand out for their diversity and committed nature. Tracks such as "Corisco" and "Canto Livre" itself convey a sense of liberation. "Suite dos Pescadores", a Dori Caymmi composition of around six minutes with multiple movements, represented an innovative boldness for Brazilian music in 1965, perfectly blending the production with Nara's voice. In "Carcará", Nara Leão's voice expresses anger and a departure from Bossa Nova sweetness, adopting a tone of protest. The album also includes the prayer of "Aleluia" (by Edu Lobo) and the innocent joy of "Malvadeza Durão", in addition to interpretations of samba de morro songs by Zé Keti, Nelson Cavaquinho and Cartola, and new compositions by Carlos Lyra and Edu Lobo.
Legacy
O Canto Livre de Nara is widely recognised as a turning point in Nara Leão's career and in MPB, laying the groundwork for the "canção de protesto" (protest song) and paving the way for a new generation of talent. Nara Leão, through this album and her stance, confronted the military dictatorship and broke down prejudices, which is frequently highlighted in documentaries and analyses of her work. The album is considered a "phenomenal from start to finish" and "stunning" work, receiving an average of 4.58 out of 5 stars on platforms such as Discogs, based on numerous reviews. Its importance is such that the album has been re-released in various editions, including CD reissues in Japan.
Tracks
Credits
Armando Pittigliani
Nara Leão
Ohana
Bebeto Castilho
Dori Caymmi
Luiz Eça
Peter E Seu Naipe De Cordas
Sylvio Rabello
Célio Martins
Jânio De Freitas
Ferreira Gullar
Podcasts
Mamilos · B9
Mamilândia, o barquinho vai, a tardinha cai e estamos de volta com seu espaço de reflexão a partir de produções culturais! E para o primeiro Mamilos Cultura de 2022, na dúvida entre escolher cinema, documentário, música ou outras artes, a gente misturou tudo isso. O ano começou embalado pela série documental "O Canto Livre de Nara Leão", no Globoplay, e nós corremos para conferir o resultado. E al
Cena Aberta · Gshow
O cineasta Renato Terra acumula no currículo documentários sobre grandes nomes da música brasileira, duas indicações ao Grande Prêmio do Cinema Brasileiro, além de vitórias em outras premiações. Agora, vive mais um êxito em sua carreira, com o sucesso da série documental "O Canto Livre de Nara Leão", que estreou este mês no Globoplay. Neste episódio, Renato Terra fala de suas inspirações, revela c
Apaixonadas por Séries · Aline, Ana Paula e Paola
No episódio de hoje, comentários sobre o documentário "O Canto Livre de Nara Leão". Onde assistir: Globoplay
Films
Books
Nara Leão: uma biografia
Sérgio Cabral · 2016
A specialist in the history of Brazilian popular music, journalist and writer Sérgio Cabral provides an account of the life of the singer, a voice that not only was at the forefront of the main moments of modern Brazilian music, but also engaged in the politics of her time like few others. Essential for understanding Nara Leão's trajectory, including the context and motivations behind the album 'O Canto Livre de Nara'.
Bossa Nova
Ruy Castro · 2016
This book reconstructs the bohemian and cultural life of Rio de Janeiro during the Bossa Nova era: place by place, fan by fan, story by story. To compose this fascinating mosaic that mixes music and anecdotes, Ruy Castro interviewed dozens of its protagonists, including Nara Leão. It is fundamental for understanding the musical and social environment from which Nara Leão emerged and where her work, such as 'O Canto Livre de Nara', positioned itself as a landmark of transition.
Analyses
Discos históricos: O Canto Livre de Nara, de Nara Leão (1965)
fagnermorais.substack.com
'O Canto Livre de Nara' concluded a kind of first cycle, when she ended up being hired by TV Record, alongside Edu Lobo, Alaíde Costa, Claudette Soares, Orlando Silva and Baden Powell, to star in a musical programme. At that moment, no one could stop Nara Leão — not even the military.
O Canto Livre de Nara Leão: Engajamento Artístico, Sonoridade e Gesto ...
iaspmjournal.net
In this article, we take O canto livre de Nara (her third LP) as a privileged object to understand the way in which the interpreter's vocal gesture seems to converge with certain poetic and political perspectives prevailing in the period.
Nara Leão - O Canto Livre de Nara [1965]
musicasdonordeste.net
The album, divided into two parts, brings together the singer's greatest hits from his 20-year career, with songs such as 'Avôhai', 'Chao de Giz', 'Bicho de 7 Cabecas', among others.
(PDF) O Canto Livre de Nara Leão: Engajamento Artístico, Sonoridade e ...
academia.edu
In this article, we take O canto livre de Nara (her third LP) as a privileged object to understand the way in which the interpreter's vocal gesture seems to converge with certain poetic and political perspectives prevailing in the period.
Nara Leão exerce a liberdade do canto em inédito disco ao vivo ... - G1
g1.globo.com
In this show held in 1965, whose live recording was released on a record without data about the date and location of the performance, Nara's guitar guides the artist in the free singing of engaged songs.
