Odeon

Ernesto Nazareth's 'Odeon' is a poignant tribute to the Brazilian musical genre known as 'chorinho' or simply 'choro.' The lyrics are steeped in nostalgia, reflecting a deep yearning for the past and the emotional resonance that this music once held. The song opens with a wistful longing for the 'chorinho' that has been abandoned for so long, capturing the melancholic essence that the genre is known for. The singer reminisces about the beauty and sadness intertwined in the melodies, evoking a time when life was both simpler and more emotionally charged.

The lyrics also delve into the intricate relationship between the instruments and the emotions they evoke. The interplay of the flute, cavaquinho, and guitar is described as something that gives life and simultaneously brings a sense of sorrow. This duality is a hallmark of 'chorinho,' a genre that can make one feel both joy and sadness in equal measure. The song's title, 'Odeon,' refers to a famous cinema in Rio de Janeiro, which adds another layer of historical and cultural significance to the piece. It serves as a metaphor for a bygone era, a place where memories and emotions are forever etched in time.

As the song progresses, there's a plea for the 'chorinho' to return, to bring back the grace and emotional depth that it once had. The singer laments how much time has passed and how much has changed, noting that people no longer cry for each other as they used to. This sentiment is a powerful commentary on the changing nature of human relationships and the loss of emotional expression in modern times. The song closes with a heartfelt wish to transform the poetry of 'chorinho' into reality, capturing the essence of a genre that is both beautiful and bittersweet.