Inspirada em Camões e em tio de Renato Russo... a história de "MONTE CASTELO" (Legião Urbana)

Summary

This video delves into the fascinating background of 'Monte Castelo,' the seventh track from the album *As Quatro Estações* by Renato Russo. It reveals how the composition was inspired by Renato's family history, specifically his grandfather's role in the Battle of Monte Castelo during World War II. The song blends elements of love, spirituality, and philosophy, drawing on texts from the Bible and Portuguese poet Camões. Despite initial challenges in mixing the track, the final product became a standout. The video also explores Russo's spiritual influences, reflecting his nuanced views on religion and existence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The song 'Monte Castelo' from Legião Urbana's album *As Quatro Estações* was inspired by Renato Russo's family history during World War II, specifically his grandfather's involvement in the Battle of Monte Castelo.
• 😀 The main theme of the song initially had a military tone, reflecting the story of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force's victory over Nazi forces in Italy during World War II.
• 😀 Renato Russo blended literary and religious references into the song, specifically the First Epistle to the Corinthians and a poem by the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões.
• 😀 Despite its title referencing a historical battle, the lyrics of 'Monte Castelo' do not directly recount the events of the battle but focus more on spiritual and emotional themes.
• 😀 Russo's song lyrics include excerpts from both Corinthians and Camões' poetry, using them as the foundation to explore concepts of love, spirituality, and human experience.
• 😀 The song's recording process was particularly challenging, with significant tension between Renato Russo and the producer, Mayrton Bahia, as they struggled to find the right sound and mix.
• 😀 The mix of 'Monte Castelo' was described as chaotic, with hours spent trying to finalize the arrangement, leading to a dramatic disagreement between the artist and producer.
• 😀 Many listeners mistakenly interpret the song as a religious expression, but Renato Russo was not promoting a particular religious ideology. Instead, he was addressing broader spiritual concepts.
• 😀 Renato Russo was known for his open-minded approach to spirituality, reading texts from various religious traditions, including Buddhism, to influence his songwriting.
• 😀 Russo's album *As Quatro Estações* reflects his exploration of human spirituality, focusing on emotional and philosophical questions rather than advocating for religious dogma.

Q & A

What is the inspiration behind the song 'Monte Castelo' by Renato Russo?

The song was inspired by a personal connection to the Second World War. Renato Russo's grandfather fought in the battle of Monte Castelo during the war, which influenced the instrumental theme he created. The theme, initially composed as a tribute to the war effort, was later developed into a full song with lyrics.

What significant historical event is associated with 'Monte Castelo'?

'Monte Castelo' refers to a major battle in World War II, fought between the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) and the German forces in Italy. The battle took place from 1944 to 1945, with Brazilian soldiers successfully capturing Monte Castelo after several attempts, marking a key Allied victory.

Why does the lyrics of 'Monte Castelo' not directly reflect the historical battle?

Although the title refers to the historical battle, the lyrics of the song are not about the battle itself. Renato Russo chose to combine two literary texts—Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians and a sonnet by Portuguese poet Luís de Camões—to craft the song's lyrics.

Which texts did Renato Russo use for the lyrics of 'Monte Castelo'?

Renato Russo used the First Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically Chapter 13, which emphasizes love, and a sonnet by Luís de Camões, a Portuguese poet. These texts, along with Russo's own written phrases, formed the basis for the song's poetic lyrics.

How did Renato Russo blend these two literary texts into the song?

Russo selectively used portions of Paul's epistle and Camões' sonnet, mixing them with his own lines like 'I'm awake and everyone sleeps.' He did not use the full texts but rather adapted specific phrases that resonated with the themes he wanted to express.

What challenges were encountered during the mixing process of 'Monte Castelo'?

The mixing process of 'Monte Castelo' was particularly challenging, with tensions arising between Renato Russo and the producer Mayrton Bahia. Russo was dissatisfied with the initial mix, leading to a period of intense disagreement and multiple attempts to refine the track before both parties were satisfied with the final result.

Why do some listeners associate 'Monte Castelo' with religious themes?

Many listeners associate 'Monte Castelo' with religious themes because of the references to love and spirituality in the lyrics. However, as Renato Russo explained, the song does not promote any specific religious doctrine but rather explores broader spiritual concepts.

How does Renato Russo view religion in relation to 'Monte Castelo'?

Renato Russo viewed 'Monte Castelo' not as a religious statement but as an exploration of spirituality. While he was raised in a Catholic family, he critiqued certain religious figures like Apostle Paul and mentioned that the song reflects a more universal spiritual concern, without focusing on the existence of God or specific religious beliefs.

What other religious influences are present in the album 'As Quatro Estações'?

In addition to the biblical references in 'Monte Castelo,' the album 'As Quatro Estações' includes ideas drawn from other spiritual philosophies, including Buddhism. Renato Russo expressed that the album was about exploring human spirituality rather than promoting any particular religion.

What is the significance of the title 'Monte Castelo' in the song?

The title 'Monte Castelo' is a direct reference to the World War II battle in Italy, where Brazilian forces fought the Germans. While the lyrics don't describe the battle itself, the title serves as a metaphorical backdrop for the song's exploration of love, spirituality, and personal reflection.