Main content

Forro, coco and cowboys

Lucy Duran travels to rural North East Brazil, going in search of traditional Forro, a style of country music much-loved there but little-known outside. And, travelling deeper inland towards the Sertao - Brazil's wild semi-desert area - she has a chance encounter with some singing cowboys.

Available now

1 hour

Last on

Sat 30 Jan 2010 15:00

Music and featured items

  • Forro

    Paulo Andre describes the music style Forro to Lucy Duran.

    Duration: 06:35

  • Music Played

    • Luiz Gonzaga

      Danado de Bom

      • Brazilian Classics 3.
      • Luaka Bop 7599-26323-2.
    • Luiz Gonzaga

      A Feira de Caruaru

      • Brazilian Classics 3.
      • Luaka Bop 7599-26323-2.
  • Azulao

    Lucy talks to Azulao, a Forro musician about performing traditional Forro.

    Duration: 08:30

  • Music Played

    • Herbert Lucena

      Balanca Boeiro

      Performers: Azulao with his musicians

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Caruaru, Pernambuco on 8th September 2008.
    • ´¡³ú³Ü±ôã´Ç

      Dona Teresa

      Performers: Azulao with his musicians

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Caruaru, Pernambuco on 8th September 2008.
  • Decline of Forro

    Lucy and Paulo discuss Forro’s decline and difficulties in hearing its traditional form.

    Duration: 05:40

  • Music Played

    • ´¡³ú³Ü±ôã´Ç

      Dor de Cotovelo

      Performers: Azulao with his musicians

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Caruaru, Pernambuco on 8th September 2008.
  • World's biggest open air theatre

    At the world’s biggest open air theatre the story of the Passion is performed annually.

    Duration: 06:47

  • Music Played

    • Waldir Silva

      Nesse coco eu mao brinco mais

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Caruaru, Pernambuco on 8th September 2008.
  • Walmir Silva

    At a bar in Caruaru Lucy meets famous Forro musician, Walmir Silva.

    Duration: 10:45

  • Music Played

    • Waldir Silva

      Improvisation for Paulo Andre

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Caruaru, Pernambuco on 8th September 2008.
    • Waldir Silva

      Casa de Maroca

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Caruaru, Pernambuco on 8th September 2008.
  • J Borges and his work

    Lucy is in a small town called Basero in the studio of a local artist, J Borges.

    Duration: 03:50

  • Music Played

    • Maciel Melo

      Brasil Pernambuco

      • Volume 1 of Musica de Pernambuco: Forro.
  • Arcoverde and coco

    In Arcoverde Lucy hears African group Coco Raizes perform ‘coco’, the music of slaves.

    Duration: 03:59

  • Music Played

    • Coco Raizes

      Balanco da canoa

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Arcoverde on 7th September 2008.
  • Coco Raizes and clog dancing

    Coco Raizes demonstrate how dancing with wooden clogs provides percussion.

    Duration: 05:59

  • Music Played

    • Coco Raizes

      Abelha

      Composer: traditional

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Arcoverde on 7th September 2008.
  • Cowboys in the desert

    Lucy meets cowboys in the desert area of Sertao. Paulo explains their harsh lifestyle.

    Duration: 04:15

  • Music Played

    • Unknown cowboys

      Improvisation about the World Routes team

      • Recorded by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in the Sertao of Pernambuco on 7th September 2008.

Broadcasts

  • Sat 27 Dec 2008 15:00
  • Sat 30 Jan 2010 15:00

Featured in...