Projects

Bossa Nova: History

The first musical declaration of Bossa Nova, which was to become world famous, appeared in the "50’s" in southern Rio de Janeiro. It was created by a new generation of young Brazilian artists (musicians, singers, composers, and poets) who were brought together by strong beliefs about the future and a shared dream. They wanted to bring their musical work to the world.

To speak of Bossa Nova is to speak of musicians like Antonio Carlos Jobim (Tom Jobim), João Gilberto, Carlos Lira, Baden Powel, Roberto Menescal, Candinho, Vinícius de Moraes, Nara Leão, João Donato. These and many others worked on the new rhythm and the new music and so founded a movement that has influenced Brazilian and other musical styles around the world.

The Bossa Nova seminar teaches not only about the story and the origins of this fascinating music, but also offers concrete experience, emphasising the playing of the music. Participants learn about the origins of Bossa Nova and the original version of this fascinating music.
The seminar consist of 5 parts of 3 hours each:

  • History of Bossa Nova and its influence on Brazil and the rest of the world.
  • Harmony and the harmonic function of the Bossa Nova style
  • Musical arrangements in the Bossa Nova style
  • Musical Material: Music texts in Portuguese and English.
    Information about the composers and the other artists who took part in its creation
  • Bossa Nova Rhythm: Getting to know the main and double level rhythm and its instrumental task in the areas percussion, harmony and melody.

Each participant receive a diploma at the end of this seminar. A one-hour-long Bossa Nova concert is held to mark the end of this course.