The Language of Music

   One of the first things that struck me about Brazil and the street culture of Rio in general was the language of music.  On the street, at the beach, in the restaurants and bars all about Rio, there was a joy in the air, a celebration of life.  And that joy manifested itself in the expression of music.  It was infectious.  On the corner, in a café, and on the bus, people would smile and laugh and tap their feet and slap their hands on any hard surface to lay down a rhythm, a beat.  Many nearby people would move to that beat.  Some would sing, others move their bodies and dance.  Anyone with a musical instrument would join in.  This was the exact opposite tone of what I had experienced living in Portugal, whose national song is the “fado,” traditional songs of sadness and longing.  The samba and bossa nova in Brazil are upbeat songs of love, joy and celebration.  I couldn’t believe my good luck in landing there.