VIDEO: Films We Love:: Orfeu Negro – Friends We Love

Films We Love ::

Orfeu Negro

Orfeu Negro (1959), Marcel Camus’ depiction of a sweet romance between Orfeu and Euridyce and its inevitable tragedy, evokes a deeply felt longing we all have; of finding a lover whom we share a connection that is timeless and transcendent. Camus uses the Morro da Bibilonia, a favela in the Leme neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro as a backdrop for the magical explosion of costumes, classic music by Jobin + Bonfa and stunning views of this iconic city. -Izzy Romero

via friendswelove.com

__________________________

The Reimagining

of Black Orpheus

In Greek mythology, the prophet Orpheus was known for his magical way with music. Ancient poet Simonides of Ceos said Orpheus could charm the trees to dance, the stones to awaken, and the rivers to divert their course with his music. Although Hermes invented the lyre, it is said that it was Orpheus who perfected it. The most famous of all of Orpheus’ stories is his tragic love affair with the virginal, beautiful Eurydice. Originally set in Ancient Greece, the story deals with universal themes of life and death, love and loss, archetypes of bad and evil, and the music that brings it all together.

For the classic 1959 film Black Orpheus (Orfeo Negro), French director Marcel Camus reset the Greek myth among the Carnaval and West African traditions of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. Bursting with color and music, the film is a love letter to a whimsical, lively Brazil. The film’s ability to capture the mood and music of Carnaval started America’s love affair with Brazilian music and caused the film to become the international representation for Brazil abroad. Although the film received some slack for not tackling the subtleties and complexities of the Brazilian people and culture, Black Orpheus is mostly an ‘atmosphere’ movie that sweeps you into the sights and sounds of a dream-like version of Brazil. All of the music for the film was composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfa, with Bonfa’s gorgeous ballad “Manhã de Carnaval” becoming a run-away hit and a jazz standard. Just as the Ancient Greek myth was reinvented for Black Orpheus, “Manha de Carnaval” has been re-imagined over and over again. Everyone from Joan Bez to Stan Getz to Cannonball Adderley have put their spin on this gorgeous classic. Join us as we see how different arrangements and instrumentations affect the mood and flavor of one of our favorite Brazilian songs. First, check out the original and the English translation

Manhã de Carnaval (Lyrics)

Will true love come my way,
On this Carnival day,
Or will I be alone with my dream?

I’ll sing to the sun in the sky,
I’ll sing ‘till the sun rises high,
Carnival time is here,
Magical time of year,
And as the time draws near,
Dreams lift my heart!

I’ll sing as I play my guitar,
I’ll cling to a dream from afar,
Will love come my way,
This Carnival day,
And stay here in my heart?

( Will true love come my way,
On this Carnival day . . . )
Or will I be alone with my dream?