The Portuguese folk music known as fado—the word means “fate”—must be sung from the soul. “I lived in a traditional Lisbon neighborhood and have always sung the fado—I know what it is, I understand myself through it,” says the celebrated singer Mariza, and when you hear the mournful music from her lips, you know it to be true.
She has sung to huge audiences around the world, but makes every moment intimate. “When Mariza sings, time stands still,” says BBC Radio. “Every word is sung with intense concentration, every note hit flawlessly. When she pauses for dramatic effect, we are all with her, caught in her trap.” There may be no better fate.
Supported by George and Lois Eichacker
