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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
o som do espírito universal, May 6, 2003
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 Magalhăes), cello (Francisco Ribeiro), accordion (Gabriel Gomes) and keyboards (Rodrigo Leăo), 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 Magalhăes - 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.
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