BIDÚ SAYÃO – Bachiana no. 5 (Cantilena)

Balduína “Bidú” de Oliveira Sayão (1902-1999) was a Brazilian opera soprano. One of Brazil’s celebrated musicians, Sayão was a leading artist of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City from 1937 to 1952.

Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos had an artistic partnership with the diva that lasted many years. He made a number of recordings of his compositions, including a famous recording of the Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5.

Bidu Sayão and her husband Giuseppe Danise purchased an oceanfront property in Lincolnville, Maine. After 15 years with the Metropolitan Opera, she gave her last performance in 1952. For the next two years, she was a guest performer throughout the U.S., but in 1957, she retired completely from public performance; two years later she made her final recording as the soprano soloist on Villa-Lobos’ world premiere stereo recording of his cantata Forest of the Amazon with the composer conducting the Symphony of the Air.

Tarde uma nuvem rósea lenta e transparente Sobre o espaço, sonhadora e bela!

Surge no infinito a Lua docemente Enfeitando a tarde, qual meiga donzela Que se apresta e a linda sonhadoramente Em anseios d’alma para ficar bela

Grita ao céu e a terra toda a natureza! Cala a passarada aos seus tristes queixumes E reflete o mar toda a sua riqueza Suave a luz da Lua desperta agora A cruel saudade que ri e chora!

Tarde, uma nuvem rósea lenta e transparente Sobre o espaço, sonhadora e bela!