Samba Is Described by Morales, Term Paper

Charles Perrone, in Masters of Contemporary Brazilian Music discusses the vocal lyrics of the Brazilian music scene and describes the breadth and depth of Brazilian song writing. In this work he discusses another aspect of the music, its meaning and context, building on the idea of nationalism and universalities that are present in Samba and other forms of Brazilian popular music and culture (in this case looking at only 6 of the most popular lyricists and performers.) Perrone argues that Samba, though it has very few lyrics has tremendous social and political meaning, similar to reggae and that the lyrics associated with it are often reminiscent of personal turmoil and social growth. (Perrrone)

As a modern musical expression the Samba arrived in the international context in the early twentieth century in Rio de Janeiro. Samba, according to Morales, is descended from the lundu, a Bantu-Angolan style brought by Africans to Brazil during the peak of slavery in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but eventually internalized influences from ragtime (from New Orleans), habanera (from Cuba), and even German polka (through Mexico and German immigration)." (25)

Morales goes on to say that, Samba is mainly a percussive music played in a shuffling 2/4 rhythm, using several different kinds of drums, such as the surdo and the bateria," (25) and other percussive accessories (mentioned earlier).

It can be argued that samba is largely a folk music where there are few "shining stars," though Perrone argues demonstratively that there are significant stars, who have gone unrecognized by the broader culture. Technology, and especially recording technology has significantly influenced this form of music, as the performance of it is generally a large live venue which has not in the past been possible to record. (Morales 26) Yet the draw of the music has determined that the music will be recorded, both live and studio, to further its influence past the point of the immediate to make it a permanent aspect of remembrance of events and the strong feelings it evokes.

Samba will likely grow in expression and development, as more nad more people become aware of the cultural diversity and richness of the Brazilian social landscape. Samba is a centerpiece of the Carnaval, which draws people from all over the world, growing in size almost every year. Samba is the backbone of the long procession that dominates the economy, ideals and cultural expression of Brazil. There is a sense that Samba connects the celebration tot the people and it also demonstrates the link between all those who watch and participate in the events. Samba spreads a sense of unity across the human race as it snakes through the streets of Brazil.

Works Cited

Barad, Huntley. "A History of Samba." ND, at http://www.brazilianmusic.com/samba.html

Morales, Ed. The Latin Beat: The Rhythms and Roots of Latin Music, from Bossa Nova to Salsa and Beyond. Da Capo Press, 2003.

Nkowane, Chilemwa H. "World Music Central: Samba Brasileiro a History" 2004, at http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20040720105726323

Perrone, Charles. Masters of Contemporary Brazilian Song. Dallas, TX: University of…