Info? Dom Fernando (Portuguese ballad)

Subject: Info? Dom Fernando (Portuguese ballad)
From: Tradsinger
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 05:28 AM

Here's a tricky one for you. When I was in Portugal last year, a lady gave me the words of a ballad that her father used to sing. Does anyone know anything more about it, other versions, etc? Here is a gist of the story:

Dom Fernando is fighting in the wars, but he is sad as he has not seen his lover for 7 years. He goes back to see her to be told that she is dead. On the way back, an apparition appears to him, saying that she is his lover. He asks, where are your lips, arms, eyes? She says that they are under the ground. At the end, the gates of heaven open and she leaves him.

Spooky or what?

Any info?

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Info? Dom Fernando (Portuguese ballad)
From: IanC
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 06:15 AM

Hi ... Smithsonian Folkways has an album of Portuguese songs here.

I think D. Fernando (no. 212) could be the one you're looking for. It's described as "D. Fernando: Romance-Ballad".

:-)

Subject: RE: Info? Dom Fernando (Portuguese ballad)
From: Tradsinger
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 06:20 AM

What a hero! Yes, it's certainly the same song from the snatch on the Smithsonian website. My informant just recited the words, so now I have a tune. Now, the problem is where can I sing a long Portuguese ballad and not clear the room?!

Thanks

Tradsinger