Desafinado

Definition

Desafinado refers to the phenomenon of being out of tune, particularly in a musical context. It can describe vocal or instrumental performance that strays from the expected pitch. In the world of bossa nova, desafinado is significant because it embodies a stylistic approach that embraces subtle dissonance, creating a unique sound that characterizes many bossa nova compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In bossa nova, desafinado is often used intentionally to convey emotion and depth, contributing to the genre's relaxed yet complex sound.
2. Desafinado can also be seen as a reflection of the cultural shifts in Brazil during the late 1950s and early 1960s, marking a departure from more traditional musical forms.
3. The concept is famously highlighted in the classic bossa nova song 'Desafinado' by Tom Jobim and Newton Mendonça, which plays on the idea of being out of tune in love and life.
4. Musicians in the bossa nova tradition often use desafinado to challenge conventional notions of harmony and melody, pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
5. In performance, desafinado can lead to an interesting interplay between musicians, as they navigate pitch variations and create a spontaneous musical dialogue.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of desafinado enhance the emotional expression in bossa nova music?
  • Desafinado enhances emotional expression in bossa nova by allowing musicians to incorporate subtle dissonance into their performances. This creates a unique sound that resonates with listeners, conveying feelings that traditional harmony might not capture. The intentional use of desafinado adds depth and complexity, making the music feel more relatable and reflective of life's nuances.
• Discuss how desafinado reflects broader cultural trends in Brazil during the rise of bossa nova in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
  • Desafinado reflects broader cultural trends in Brazil by symbolizing a shift away from traditional musical forms toward more modern and innovative expressions. As bossa nova emerged, it embraced elements from jazz and other genres while challenging established norms. This willingness to incorporate imperfections like desafinado mirrored Brazil's evolving identity and artistic landscape during a period of significant social change.
• Evaluate the role of desafinado in shaping the identity of bossa nova as a genre and its influence on contemporary music.
  • Desafinado plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of bossa nova by establishing a distinctive sound that sets it apart from other musical styles. The embrace of intentional dissonance allows for greater emotional depth and creative exploration. This characteristic has influenced contemporary music by encouraging artists to experiment with pitch and harmony, fostering innovation across various genres while maintaining a connection to bossa nova's roots.

Related terms

Bossa Nova: A genre of Brazilian music that blends samba and jazz, known for its smooth rhythms and sophisticated harmonies.

Dissonance: A combination of tones that clash or create tension when played together, often used in music to evoke certain emotions.

Chord Progression: A sequence of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece of music.