Antonio Carlos Jobim: Chega de Saudade

This melody swings through a series of upward shifts, conveying optimism and hope. In the original lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, Jobims poet partner, the singer has had enough of saudade (sa-oo-DA-dgee), that idiomatic mix of emptiness and longing that roughly equates to the blues in English. This was the first Jobim tune that João Gilberto ever recorded, and the title of his 1959 debut album; for many, Chega de Saudade marks the true beginning of bossa nova. This instrumental version features Claus Ogermans string arrangements; never soppy or overbearing, they provide a lush cushion for Jobims one-finger piano.