Who was Carlos Paredes (1925-2004)?

Carlos Paredes was a revolutionary Portuguese musician whose intricate melodies and lightning-fast fingerpicking reshaped the landscape of Portuguese music. Known as ‘O Homen dos Mil Dedos’ (The Man with a Thousand Fingers), Paredes’ influence stretched beyond his homeland, inspiring generations of musicians and elevating the Portuguese guitar to new heights. Behind the brilliance was a life of struggle, passion, and unwavering commitment to both his craft and his ideals.

Born to play

Born in Coimbra in 1925, Carlos Paredes inherited a legacy of guitar mastery. His father, Artur Paredes, was a pioneering figure in the Coimbra style of the Portuguese guitar, and from a young age, Carlos was immersed in the instrument's intricate techniques. Though he received formal training in violin and piano, it was the Portuguese guitar that captured his heart.

By the age of 14, he was already performing alongside his father on Portugal’s public broadcaster, RTP. But Carlos was more than a talented student – he was an innovator. He refined his technique obsessively, developing a signature style characterised by rapid fingerpicking and complex melodic structures that would later define his legendary sound.

A man of resistance

Paredes’ life was not just about music but it was also about political conviction. A strong opponent of Portugal’s fascist regime, he became involved with the Portuguese Community Party (PCP) which was illegal at the time. In 1958, his activism led to his arrest.

Sentenced to 20 months in prison, he spent his days composing music in his head, strumming an imaginary guitar as he paced the prison yard. Upon his release, he was placed under police surveillance and was dismissed from his job as a public servant, limiting his professional opportunities. However, despite this, he continued to play for anti-dictatorship events, often for free, raising funds for political prisoners’ families and supporting the resistance movement.

When democracy was restored after the 1974 Carnation Revolution, his music became a symbol of change. His compositions were used to announce Portugal’s first free elections, forever linking his art with the country’s newfound freedom.

A timeless discography

Paredes’ music was not just technically brilliant but it was deeply emotive. His most famous piece, “Verdes Anos”, became an instant classic, after featuring in the 1963 Portuguese drama film of the same name. But, it was his 1971 album, "Movimento Perpétuo", that cemented his status as a master. Tracks like “António Marinheiro” and “Mudar de Vida” showcased his ability to blend traditional fado with classical complexity, pushing the Portuguese guitar into uncharted territory.

Following the revolution, his 1975 album, “É Preciso um Pais” (A Country is Needed) paired his evocative guitar with the poetry of Manuel Alegre, capturing the spirit of Portugal’s new era. In 1988, “Espelho de Sons” (Mirror of Sounds) debuted at number 3 on Portugal’s album charts, proving that Paredes’ music resonated across generations. His compositions like “Variaçoes em Ré Maior” and “Concerto em Fá Sustenido”, continue to be studied and performed by musicians worldwide.

Celebrating a centenary since Paredes’ birth

As Portugal marks the centenary of Carlos Paredes’ birth, tributes are being held across the country and beyond.

* Lisbon: The first Portuguese Guitar Festival will debut from the 7 to the 8 March and is dedicated to Paredes’. More than 80 musicians, five venues and the iconic Portuguese guitar will pay tribute to the artist. The event celebrates the centenary of the Portuguese guitarist with concerts, lectures and the screening of documentaries. The activities take place in the three rooms of the Cinema São Jorge, as well as in the auditoriums of the Teatro Capitólio and Variedades. With a strong focus on the traditional instrument, the festival will have a second edition in 2026, this time dedicated to the Lisbon-born Armandinho, marking the 80th anniversary of his death.

The programme kicks off on 7 March at 6:30pm with an opening performance at São Jorge, conducted by the Sinfonietta de Lisboa. The concert will feature the participation of maestro Vasco Pearce de Azevedo and guitarist Paulo Jorge, who will perform “Mata de Lobos”.

The festival brings together more than 80 musicians, including José Manuel Neto and Pedro Caldeira Cabral, who will perform on 8 March. The former, who has already accompanied Camané, will take the stage at Cinema São Jorge, while Pedro Caldeira Cabral will perform at Capitólio.

Another notable guest is Luísa Amaro, the first woman to compose for Portuguese guitar. At 60 years old, Carlos Paredes’ companion will present “Sons de Guitarra — 100 anos de Carlos Paredes”, in a double recital at Capitólio, also on 8 March. The artist will also be invited to share memories about her work and collaborations with Carlos Paredes, who died at the age of 79. Tickets can be purchased here: https://teatrovariedades.byblueticket.pt/Evento?IdEvento=13499

•Braga & Espinho: Pianist Mário Laginha will present Carlos Paredes por Mário Laginha at Auditório de Espinho on the 24 April.

•International Programme: Beyond Portugal, an International Program will extend the celebration worldwide, with concerts, films, conferences, and exhibitions in 17 cities across 12 countries on four continents.

Carlos Paredes was sadly diagnosed with myelopathy, which forced the artist to stop playing his beloved instrument. He sadly passed away on 23 July, 2004, being laid to rest in Prazeres Cemetery in Lisbon. From concert halls to film screenings, Carlos Paredes’ music continues to echo across time, proving that true artistry never fades.

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes