Olha Maria (Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, Chico Buarque)

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"Olha Maria"
Music by Antonio Carlos Jobim
Words by Vinícius de Moraes and Chico Buarque.

I blogged about my theory concerning this song which I won't repeat here. Please read this:

http://tonyrclef.blogspot.com/2011/10/olha-maria.html

I'll just say again that I feel certain that the film "Mayerling" had to have had some influence on the poetry.

This is an arrangement that went through many washes before I felt like it was even clean enough to wear on Youtube and I hope as a single-guitar arrangement, it does justice to the original which is an out-and-out masterpiece of song. As far as arrangements go, there are duos and trios and of course chaps playing solo but singing the song. This is the first solo guitar version I've heard though I haven't necessarily dug very deep. Please let me know if you know otherwise. I love to watch what other musicians come up with. A solo piano version would be amazing.
The problem and the trick here is sandwiching the melody into the same register as the original piano accompaniment. This can't be done without a fair amount of sacrifice to the original piece.
I only go for the melody in a higher register for the final stanza (if you will), the part about 'minha agonia' that repeats.
Adding a beat here and there also seems inevitable.
Hope you like it.

The original instrumental version of this song as Jobim composed it was called "Amparo". Without any denigration to 'bossa nova' intended (obviously I love all those songs), this particular song is a clear indication that Jobim as a composer went galaxies beyond any given stylistic strait-jacket. It irks me when *some* people still refer to much of what he wrote as 'elevator music'. A: Please take me to this elevator you speak of. B: Elevate your mind and your ass will follow. C: There is no C. D: Was Scriabin 'elevator music' too?

My arrangement. Learned by ear. I have nothing written down.
Taylor NS54-ce, hybrid classical
Drop D tuning (original song in Cminor; this version in Bminor; sorry people with perfect pitch! Thank you, Audacity. :D)
D'addario Pro Arte normal tension nylon strings

Category:

Music

Tags:

• olha maria
• Antonio Carlos Jobim
• Vinícius de Moraes
• Chico Buarque
• Construção
• Amparo
• Mayerling
• Anatole Litvak
• Danielle Darrieux
• Charles Boyer
• tony
• clef
• troubleclef
• acoustic
• guitar
• instrumental
• fingerpicking
• fingerstyle
• mpb
• brazil
• brasil
• Música Popular Brasileira

[Piikeda]

Maravilha!



[troubleclef]

@Piikeda

obrigado

[MuchoSuavo]

I love Jobim's stuff! I think these guys would all be very very pleased with this video. Once again, beautiful playing! I'm taking classical guitar lessons this year at school. Hopefully I will be playing stuff like this someday!

[troubleclef]

@MuchoSuavo

thanks. 

[Jazzguts]

Pure Art and beauty, I love these harmonies, adventurous,fantastic composition, Brazil sure has so much to offer in terms of musical pureness and inspiration and you're picking out the Gems Tony,great work,listened with great pleasure,Vic.

[troubleclef]

@Jazzguts

Thanks, Vic. Have a good Christmas, my friend.

[tecoomexicano]

Another stunning interpretation... I'm always amazed with your renditions!

I was wondering the other day if you've ever heard of Cartola? He's considered the king of samba, and has a very inspiring story. His lyrics are beautiful, and his harmonies too. I recommend O Mundo é um Moinho, Aconteceu and Peito Vazio. They're my three favorite songs by Cartola.

[troubleclef]

@tecoomexicano

HI, Yes, Cartola was one of the great and under appreciated (at least in foreign parts). I read his biography, in fact, back when I was studying portuguese. "...Moinho" is one of my favorite songs of his. (see chamacojesus doing his version on yt) I have 2 or 3 cd's of Cartola but it's been a while since i listened. On one, it's just him and a guitar and he's telling stories in between each song. It's called "Documento Inédito". Check it out, if you don't have it already.

[redavide1]

That was great!

[TheStringman06]

Great stuff, thanks for keeping Jobim alive

[julymozart]

Theres nothing like watching ur videos ive said it before and i say it again truely wonderfull.

[Danilohqcampos]

Você fez um belo arranjo para esta obra-prima de Tom, Vinicius e Chico...

[shyamo90]

you are such a demon on guitar. i would do anything to be able to play like you