Fado Singer Editorial Image

This image: Elsa Laboreiro performing in a Lisbon cafe “Luso” - typical restaurant with fado and folklore. Fado - is a music genre which can be traced from the 1820s in Portugal. In popular belief, fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. However, in reality fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure. Fado performances during the 20th century included only a singer, a Portuguese guitar player and a classical guitar player but more recent settings range from singer and string quartet to full orchestra. Café Luso is the most renowned Fado and Folklore Restaurant in Portugal. Founded in 1927, its history is the history of Fado music itself, since all major singers and musicians performed here. Located in the Bairro Alto district, one of the most typical and historically rich in Lisbon.