Exploring "Fotografia" & "É Preciso Dizer Adeus" – Bossa Nova Classics

Welcome to this special lesson where we dive into two beautiful compositions by the legendary Antônio Carlos Jobim: "Fotografia" and "É Preciso Dizer Adeus". Both pieces capture the essence of bossa nova, with their rich harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and lyrical melodies.

Through this lesson, you’ll learn how to approach these tunes from a harmonic, rhythmic, and improvisational perspective, incorporating authentic bossa nova accompaniment techniques and expressive melodic phrasing.

"Fotografia" – A Romantic Bossa Nova Groove

"Fotografia" (which translates to "Photograph") is a laid-back, romantic bossa nova tune that paints a vivid picture of love by the ocean. The song stays within a C major tonality, utilizing pedal tones and chromatic movement to create Jobim’s signature harmonic richness.

Harmonic & Melodic Characteristics

• The song alternates between Cmaj7 and F7 (which can be thought of as C-7 over F).
• Chromatic passing tones add a smooth, flowing motion to the harmony.
• The melody starts on the 9th, a common Jobim characteristic that gives it a floating, airy feel.
• The 251 progression (D-7 to G7 to Cmaj7) is foundational to the harmonic movement.

Groove & Accompaniment

• The left hand follows a steady bossa nova bass pattern, alternating between root and fifths.
• The right-hand chords use spread voicings to provide a full, warm harmonic texture.
• Syncopation is key: avoid feeling the downbeat too heavily, as bossa nova has a natural push-pull feel.

Improvisation Tips

• Instead of running scales, focus on melodic motifs drawn from the tune itself.
• Emphasize chromatic approaches, mimicking Jobim’s style.
• Experiment with syncopation in your phrasing, ensuring your lines breathe within the groove.

"É Preciso Dizer Adeus" – A Song of Farewell

"É Preciso Dizer Adeus" ("It Is Necessary to Say Goodbye") is a slow, bittersweet bolero-influenced bossa nova, filled with lush harmonies and emotional depth. The lyrics speak of parting with love and gratitude, making it a deeply expressive piece.

Harmonic & Melodic Characteristics

• The opening Ab7b9 voicing sets a dramatic and colorful tone.
• The chromatic descent from F13 to F-7 highlights Jobim’s signature harmonic motion.
• The melody contains "bluesy" slides and expressive phrasing, reminiscent of samba-canção traditions.

Groove & Accompaniment

• The left hand uses a bolero-style bass line, alternating between downbeat hits and syncopated lifts.
• The right hand sustains melody notes over moving harmonies, creating an elegant, legato feel.
• Dynamics are crucial: keep the touch light and avoid over-accenting the groove.

Improvisation Tips

• Use the diminished scale to highlight the tension in passing chords.
• Explore arpeggiated voicings to create a flowing, harp-like effect.
• Keep phrasing melodic and song-like, rather than relying on rapid scalar runs.

Practice Tips

1. Master the Chord Inversions

• Practice Cmaj7 to F7 in all possible inversions to smoothen transitions.

2. Internalize the Rhythmic Feel

• Clap and vocalize the bossa nova pulse before playing.
• Avoid tapping your foot on every beat—feel the groove in two rather than four.

3. Focus on Chromaticism

• Pay attention to how chromatic movements shape the melody and harmony.
• Experiment with guide-tone lines (3rds and 7ths) moving stepwise.

4. Listen to Authentic Recordings

• Check out Miúcha & Tom Jobim’s recordings for phrasing and interpretation ideas.

5. Slow Down & Sing the Melody

• Before improvising, hum or sing the melody to absorb its natural phrasing.

Bringing It All Together

Both "Fotografia" and "É Preciso Dizer Adeus" showcase the depth of Jobim’s harmonic language and melodic beauty. By studying these pieces, you’ll develop a stronger rhythmic feel, a more lyrical approach to improvisation, and a richer harmonic vocabulary for playing and arranging bossa nova.

Take your time with these songs, focus on expressiveness over technical complexity, and most importantly—let the music breathe.

Happy practicing! 🎶