Bossa nova is a sultry and jazzy style of music introduced in Brazil by the pioneering work of guitarist / singer João Gilberto, composer Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim and lyricist Vinícius de Moraes. The bossa nova became known abroad through the French-Brazilian film Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus). This feature film was based on a play by De Moraes and featured music by Tom Jobim and Luiz Bonfá.
Orfeu Negro won an Oscar and a Golden Palm in 1959. In this classic film by French filmmaker Marcel Camus, the mythological story of Orpheus and Euridice is retold against the backdrop of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. The passionate story takes shape beautifully with an excellent cast and beautiful music. (HB)more
