Customer Reviews

O Espirito De Paz

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the most beautiful recordings that I have in my collection - of ANY genre. Madredeus makes music that speaks to the soul, undaunted by the man-made barriers of language and culture. When I read negative reactions to this music, it truly saddens me - there is so much beauty to be experienced here, if the listener can only do away with any expectations that might have been engendered by over-exposure to American pop culture.

The musicianship of this band is stellar throughout this and all of their recordings. Utilizaing two acoustic guitars (José Peixoto & Pedro Ayres Magalhães), cello (Francisco Ribeiro), accordion (Gabriel Gomes) and keyboards (Rodrigo Leão), and graced with the lovely voice of of Teresa Salgueiro, they create an aural filigree that is delicate and full of power and emotion simultaneously - no mean feat. The interplay between the two guitars is often breathtaking - not in its speed or `flash', but in the intricacy and thoughtfulness of the compositions and the arrangements. The cello, accordion and keyboards all add their touches - never over-used, never overpowering, always tasteful. Salgueiro's voice is the crowning touch - she soars and floats above the other instruments (for the voice, is, indeed, an instrument) without sounding `operatic' or dominating. She carries the melody with grace and beauty, completing the sound that is Madredeus as a whole.

The lyrics - in Portuguese, mostly by Magalhães - are beautiful as well. The visions they conjure are pastoral and tranquil, filled with longing and spirituality, appreciative of the beauty found in the natural world, and in the human soul.

This is not fado - you can easily hear elements of it here, but the style is more `composed', edging closer to classical without ever becoming staid or stodgy. This is beautiful, heart-touching music that is timeless and, in truth, un-classifiable - and isn't finding music like that one of the great joys we can experience in life? Even when they turn the eyes of their spirit to loneliness, loss and solitude, Madredeus create that kind of beauty - it's something you should give yourself the chance to experience.

First time I heard "O Pastor" by Madredeus was in Greece, where I used to live, and I was blown away. They became quickly very famous there, and soon I heard more of their songs. I must say they are wonderful. Even without understanding the portuguese language you can't help but be overwhelmed with emotions. The vocals are soothing, sad, and dreamy, representing Fado, Portugals traditional music, but with a modern twist, the music is so sweet, it feels at times like a calm boat ride through a sea of emotions. All the songs here are neatly arranged and the whole CD flows very well. There are some nice instrumental tracks and of course Teresa's voice in all other tracks. If you are a fan of world music, even if you don't know much about Portuguese culture or music, I am sure you will be mesmerised by this group. This CD has SO many tracks too, which adds to a lenghy and pleasant album experience. I highly recommend this album.

I am very thankful that Madredues' music is not pop, rock, or New Age. Each track is a musical jewel. It is extremely hard to pick out favorite pieces on this cd because each one is full of beauty, whether it be a song or an instrumental.

I can tell you that I listen to this cd when I go to bed at night because of the calming effect it has on me. I'm usually asleep by the time "Pregão" is played.

Teresa's voice is indeed captivating.

This album is clearly for the "crossover" music lover. First, there is the folk style instrumentals masterfully played on a classic guitar with almost baroque-like touches. Then there is the haunting cello in the background, adding a faux classical ambiance. And finally there is the powerful voice of Portugal's pop diva, Teresa Salgeiros who has charmed the Northern Europeans, from Copenhagen to Munich. It is very hard not to be touched by her, especially in a live concert, but her seductive voice comes across the stereo as well. This is sophisticated music for sophisticated audiences. It is haunting, melancholic, and soulful. It is not "party" music, unless your idea of a party is a romantic evening with your favorite dinner companion...

To be honest, I'm a big Madredeus fan. I have known them for several years and I can tell you this particular album has special magic. The songs are mystical, passionated and almost ethereal.

Truly, it has changed my vision of life and has been through my own self discovery of emotions and thoughts as a human being. Yes, it's THAT powerful. I guess there is some music that make a big impact in our lives, and to me, this is what Madredeus has done. I've been lucky to watch them perform live at concerts in Mexico City and the quality of emotion Teresa Salgueiro reaches is simply breathtaking and unforgettable. They are able to make audiences stand on their feet after each performance. Her voice and presence is like just another musical instrument in the group that gradually comes to life.

Specifically on the album, that magic makes you think of the meaning of the words in the lyrics and in life itself through 3 parts, all under the same concept: it makes you reflect on the meaning of the songs through all the album. In the first one, Pedro -the author of most of the songs- gives himself an explanation and to everyone of the reasons why he is making this songs in "Destino" ("Destiny") followed by knowing the importance and feeling of "SIlencio"("Silence"). After that, the album takes several influences specially from southern POrtugal and Spain (O Pregao). This piece is very important in the album because they mix many aspects from philosophy through just a simple words and powerful music.

Then, the tempo really slows down and makes you listen carefully to the lyrics. Some of the answers to portuguese way of living are described in the songs. I really like "O mar"("The sea", "Culpa"(Guilt) and "Ao Longe o Mar"(The faraway sea"). I don't wan't to exagerate but the songs are masterpieces and rarely played by Madredeus today with the exception of "O Mar".

This is an album that helped Madredeus to gain recognition worldwide. "O Paraiso" is more well-known. But if you want to listen to a Madredeus album that is between the traditional style from their beginnings to the last one which is more complex in the use of keyboards and special effects, this is the option to get.

Really, forget your expectations, prepare to listen and enjoy as much I do. I keep finding new meanings to the songs and will never forget them!.

If you want one single disk from Madredeus you should have this one. Or if you want to start to hear them... Teresa Salgueiro has an amazing voice and the music by Pedro Ayres Magalhães is excellent. Born from traditional portuguese roots with arranjements. Relaxing.

Not very many people outside of Portugal and the Portuguese communities understand the Portuguese spirit. It is often said that the Portuguese people is a fatalist people and that is why the music genre "fado" came to be. It is a type of music that speaks to your soul. It's not unhappiness, it is a feeling of loss. But why loss you ask? Well, if you are aware of the discoveries and the role of the Portuguese in world trade during the 15th century, you'll understand. Think of all the men that left during those days many of whom never to return. Think of all the people that they left behind. And of course there is also D. Sebastiao, but that is for another time... So that's why many of Madredeus' songs are about the sea (which is a constant theme in Portuguese culture), losing loved ones, or even waiting for loved ones.

So this band captures this nostalgic feeling in a brand new way. It is not pop music as in Britney Spears, it is popular music in the sense that it reflects the Portuguese people and their way of facing life (as opposed to classical music which is the antithesis of popular music). If you are looking for pop rock Portuguese bands, you need to listen to GNR (Grupo Novo Rock not Guns & Roses), Delfins, Pedro Abrunhosa, etc.

Most of the negative feedback was posted by people who do not know anything about the Portuguese culture and the people. It's too bad they're not open minded enough to understand the meaning of this band. Madredeus came out of the blue with a style very unique that no other band had even dreamed of (their style is not even Fado unlike what many people think). They are an original band and that says a lot considering all the boy and girl bands out there today.

For a start, I have to praise Larry L. Looney's review about this album, and I have to say everything I can say about it is said by him already in a no better way.



Nothing to say about immaculate Teresa Salgueiro's voice, as well as the beautiful ensembre of Spanish guitars (tuned in a didderent way), cello and accordion. A very mediterranean but deep result and the perfect album for slow and nostalgic afternoons like this one for me.


The most reathtaking song of the album in my opinion is the amazing 'Cores do Sol' in which a slow synthesised start mixes the traditional acoustic sound with a rather new age, almost pop psychedelic feel. Another very deep and beautiful song is 'O Mar'. The thing that haunts me from 'Ven' is the lyrics as well as the soaring cello, emotional and strong, being the heartbeat of the song in itself.



The rest of the themes vary from fado's sadness and melancholy to joyful and peaceful natural evocations, and always the transparent voice of eresa Salgueiro and the simpleness but deepness of the lyrics lead you into a place full of time that goes slow, into your feelings and into perfect peace.

The first time I heard of Madredeus was in either 1995 or 1996, I can't recall. They were being profiled for this album (O Espiritu Da Paz) on National Public Radio (in the U.S.), a daily news/news magazine program. I was driving on an errand for work. I had to pull over and listen. I was completely transfixed. There have been many pieces of music in my life that have had a powerful emotional effect on me, but this was unique. I had *no choice* but to pull over and listen.

Predictably, I purchased it that same week, and since have purchased a great deal of their catalogue, but this particular piece has an especally strong hold on me. All these years later, there are some times when nothing will do but I must listen to at least one song. And I generally have no preference for any particular song, they are all so good.

My original copy was misplaced except for the cover and insert, and I have purchased another even though I will probably find my original eventually. I can't live without it (OK, slight exaggeration, but only slight).

You cannot really describe this music. It has influences which are recognizable, but it is at the same time wholly unique. It is minimalist, but at the same time deeply complex.

It will touch you.

This was my first and even now my prefered record of these marvelous portuguese group.
I'm a huge brazilian Madredeus fan and very lucky to went in four concerts of them.
Fortunately for me it's easy to understand their lyricism and subjects.
Certainly the high point of their carrier.

PS: Highly recommended is the 2006 DVD "Mar", a live concert with the performance of the Lisboa Ballet