Cante Alentejano is a Portuguese genre of vocal music without instruments from the southern Alentejo region. The traditional two-part song is usually performed by amateur choral groups. It is based on a similar popular song genre that originated in the region of Minde that is common in bull herding as a means to coordinate efforts among the campinos.
Typically, gatherings consist of up to thirty singers divided into groups. The ponto, in the lower range of the voice, begins the singing, followed by the alto in the higher range, which often duplicates the melody. Once the choral group takes over, all the remaining stanzas are sung in parallel thirds. The alto voices guide the group throughout the song.
Lyrics speak of everyday moments and feelings. It is mainly associated with the rural classes but is not specific to any social stratum. The topics are usually about nature, rural life, motherhood, religion, and social change. Usually, the lyrics are sad, like "saudade" (missing someone or something), and nostalgia for their birthplace, but they can also be joyful.
Cante has a long history in Alentejano communities. It is a fundamental aspect of social life and can be heard in both public and private spaces. The traditions of Cante were handed down by peasants from generation to generation while they worked in the fields of Alentejo, as well as when men joined together to relax and sing in public during parades.
Traditionally, Cante was mainly sung by women at home. For its practitioners and amateurs, cante embodies a strong sense of belonging and identity. It also promotes a sense of dialogue and collaboration among individuals from different generations and backgrounds, contributing to social cohesion.
There are still places where you can hear spontaneous Cante, although it is becoming increasingly rare. There are also official groups that gather frequently to rehearse their repertoires for later performances at festivals, fairs, and competitions. In addition to being cultural, Canto Alentejano also has a very strong social component. It can unite older and younger singers, contributing to a stronger identity and sense of belonging.
Cante Alentejano is a Portuguese genre of vocal music without instruments from the Alentejo region. It is based on a similar popular song genre that originated in the region of Minde. As a means of coordinating efforts among the bull herds, it is said that their habit of singing without instrumental accompaniment was common in bull herding. Cante Alentejano is a genre of traditional two-part singing from the southern parts of Portugal, usually performed by amateur choral groups. Typically, groups consist of up to thirty singers divided into groups. The ponto, in the lower range of the voice, begins the singing, followed by the alto in the higher range, which often duplicates the melody. Once the choral group takes over, all the remaining stanzas are sung in parallel thirds. The alto voices guide the group throughout the song.
The lyrics speak of everyday moments and feelings. It is mainly associated with the rural classes but is not specific to any social stratum. The topics are usually about nature, rural life, motherhood and religion, and social change. Usually, the lyrics are sad, but they can also be joyful. Alentejo and Cante can be fun, but there are also a lot of sad songs, like "saudade" (missing someone or something), love, and nostalgia for their birthplace.
Cante has a long history in Alentejano communities. It is a fundamental aspect of social life and can be heard in both public and private spaces. The traditions of Cante were handed down by peasants from generation to generation while they worked in the fields of Alentejo, as well as when men joined together to relax and sing in public during parades. Traditionally, Cante was mainly sung by women at home. For its practitioners and amateurs, cante embodies a strong sense of belonging and identity. It also promotes a sense of dialogue and collaboration among individuals from different generations and backgrounds, contributing to social cohesion.
However, there are still places where you can hear spontaneous Cante, although it is becoming increasingly rare. There are also official groups that get together frequently to rehearse their repertoires for later performances at festivals, fairs, and competitions. In addition to being cultural, Canto Alentejano also has a very strong social component, as it does today and has done in the past. It's the ability to unite older and younger singers that contributes to a stronger identity and sense of belonging.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/cante-alentejano-polyphonic-singing-from-alentejo-southern-portugal-01007) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cante_Alentejano) (https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/o-cante-alentejano-alentejo-singing) (https://www.visitevora.net/en/cante-alentejano-unesco-portugal/) |Subject=Art, Entertainment and Recreation, Music |Country=Portugal }}