The song of Figueira

Ana Valentina Angelo

Under the skies of Figueira IV

Hello, Figueira!

Late in the evening a light rain falls. It was sunny during the day and you, Figueira, allowed your residents one more day of work, leisure and, now, rest.

As you know, Figueira, I came from afar. I want to get to know you more and more, and by searching “Song of Figueira” I randomly found, in short order, The song of Figueira da Foz.

In fact, I’ve always believed that places like you, Figueira, sharpen sensitivity and nothing better than music to the soul.

Figueira da Foz

Praia da Claridade

Figueira da Foz

Walkway of Praia da Claridade

Figueira da Foz

Por do sol na Praia da Claridade

Figueira da Foz

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Photos: Cesar Angelo

The song of Figueira da Foz

Photo: Cesar Angelo

Lyrics: António Sousa Freitas

Music: Nóbrega e Sousa

Figueira, Figueira da Foz

From the fine sands

Cradle of mermaids

Looking for shelter.

Stars, golden stars

Decorate the Sea

Who asks crying

To marry you.

Figueira, and at night the moonlight,

Lie down by your side

Making jealous

Your boyfriend.

And the hill, who adores and wants you,

Also suffers from sunlight

That hugs and kisses you.

The author of the Song of Figueira da Foz

Lyricist: António de Sousa Freitas

António Sousa Freitas, resident of Figueira da Foz, poet and lyricist born in the parish of Buarcos and São Julião in the municipality of Figueira da Foz (1921-2004), presented his countrymen (or the world) with the delights of The song of Figueira da Foz; a show of poetic “technique” and understanding of the human soul.

Photo: Cesar Angelo

The song of Figueira da Foz: a Portuguese treasure

In his work, Antônio Sousa Freitas exquisitely molds the simplicity and sweetness of the common language, by describing elements of nature (stars that cry, moonlight that lies down to provoke jealousy, mountains that adore and desire, sun that embraces and kisses) that take on features and human feelings leading those who hear to “take the allegory for themselves” and get intoxicated by the enchantment of the composition.

Figueira, it is impossible not to fall in love with you, your people and your song!

Carlos de Melo Garcia Correia Nóbrega e Sousa

The music was written by Carlos de Melo Garcia Correia Nóbrega e Sousa (1913-2001), pianist with a college degree at the National Conservatory in Lisbon.

Maria Clara sings and enchants

Foto: Cesar Angelo

“The fado of Figueira da Foz from Maria Clara” ¹, that is, the Song of Figueira da Foz by António Sousa Freitas was performed by countless singers, each with their own peculiar arrangements and voices. The productions are incredible! However, everything indicates that the most prestigious recording is from Maria Clara.

Foto: Cesar Angelo

You who follow this column, and are in love with Figueira do Foz like me, will be able to listen to Maria Clara song version while watching extremely precious old photos from the city: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=836564246713451

Beside the romantic interpretation of Maria Clara, on the websites bellow, you can enjoy The Song of Figueira da Foz as an accordion solo or sang by a choir.

João Gentil solo of “accordion”

If you prefer the melodious version with an “accordion” see João Gentil at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eLt6MvIJdU

TUNA Universitária de Figueira da Foz – Casino of Figueira

And finally, if you want to see and hear an exuberant and luxurious interpretation of the Song of Figueira da Foz, look for the interpretation of TUNA Universitária de Figueira da Foz, which took place in 2009 at the Casino of Figueira at: https://www.facebook.com/tunabruna/videos/381971402899