Óperas portuguesas

  • modinha

    TITLE: modinha
    light and sentimental Portuguese song popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the earliest examples of modinhas are in the Óperas Portuguesas (1733–41) by António José da Silva, who interspersed the songs into the prose dialogue of his dramas. Originally simple melodies, modinhas often were embellished with intricate and elaborate musical...
  • revival of Portuguese drama

    TITLE: Portuguese literature: The 18th century
    SECTION: The 18th century
    Early in the 18th century, popular authors attempted a revival of the drama in Lisbon. The Óperas portuguesas (published 1733–41; “Portuguese Operas”), written by António José da Silva for puppet theatre, owe their name to the arias, minuets, and modinhas (light popular songs) interspersed among the prose...