Noel Rosa Pela Primeira Vez

Noel Rosa

2000

Cover of Noel Rosa Pela Primeira Vez
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Why This Album Matters

Noel Rosa Pela Primeira Vez, released in 2000, is not an album of unreleased songs, but a monumental compilation that represents an essential landmark for Brazilian discography. Composed of 7 double volumes, totalling 14 CDs, this work brings together Noel Rosa's 229 compositions in their original versions, an unprecedented work of research and sound restoration. This release offers a complete immersion in the genius of the Poet from Vila, presenting his work chronologically, which allows the listener to follow the evolution of his writing and his fundamental role in the modernisation of samba. Noel Rosa's musical style is vast, encompassing samba, samba-canção, marcha carnavalesca, rumba, and tango, always with an urban, witty, and chronicle-like language of society.

Context

Noel Rosa was musically active during an effervescent period of Brazilian culture, between 1927 and 1937, years that marked the transition of samba from its Afro-Brazilian roots and the favelas to radio and the middle class of Rio de Janeiro. In his brief but prolific career, Noel was a central figure in Vila Isabel, a neighbourhood that would become a hotbed of sambistas and his own inspiration. He was a perceptive chronicler of daily life, addressing social themes and aspects of Rio life with an innovative outlook and a singular lyrical ability.

Recording

The production of the compilation Noel Rosa Pela Primeira Vez was a grand undertaking, conceived and produced by Omar Abu Chahla Jubran. Jubran dedicated 11 years to the research, recovery, and remastering of the original recordings of Noel Rosa's songs, ensuring the best possible quality for the historical material. The project was released by Funarte in partnership with the Velas record label in 2000, with the tracks organised chronologically to illustrate the composer's artistic trajectory.

Songs

The compilation "Noel Pela Primeira Vez" is a true compendium of Noel Rosa's versatility. It features iconic sambas such as "Com Que Roupa?", one of his first great successes, and "Último Desejo", considered one of his masterpieces, composed shortly before his death. Noel's lyrics are a prime example of sensitivity, irony, and sagacity, transforming everyday life into poetry. He addressed everything from the experiences of first love, as in "Pela Primeira Vez", to social critiques and observations of Rio's bohemian life, using direct and often meta-linguistic language, as in "Cordiais Saudações", structured in the form of a letter. His compositions frequently portray characters and typical situations of the era, as in "Dona Emília" or "Sinhá Ritinha", demonstrating his rare ability to avoid clichés and create engaging narratives.

Legacy

Noel Rosa Pela Primeira Vez established itself as the most complete and definitive compilation of the composer's work. Its relevance lies in offering unrestricted access to the 229 original recordings, many of which were dispersed or difficult to access, allowing for an in-depth study of the evolution of samba and Brazilian song. This collection is considered invaluable material for researchers, musicians, and lovers of Brazilian popular music. By presenting Noel's work in chronological order of recording, the compilation not only preserves his memory but also serves as a fundamental panorama for understanding popular music of the early 20th century and how Noel Rosa, the Poet from Vila, shaped and modernised samba for future generations.

Rankings

Tracks

Credits

Composed By, Performer

Noel Rosa

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