2504 by Jerome Faria
Lisbon, April 25th, 2024.
I was born in 1983, a mere nine years after the Carnation Revolution on the 25th of April, 1974; however, my parents belong to a generation that left Portugal searching for a more promising future.
Although I have no recollection of this crucial moment in the history of the country’s democracy, I still remember the fall of the Berlin Wall, even if I lacked the maturity to understand its historical and symbolic significance for humankind.
This changed when I had the opportunity to visit Berlin during the summer of 2018 and personally saw the remnants of what once symbolised the Iron Curtain and Europe’s division.
Being in the presence of historic monuments or sites presents the opportunity to put into perspective the reality of the moments many of us have only learned from books or documentaries, bringing us tangibly closer to something that not only became part of history but also survived said history to be able to display it to us.
Around five years ago, my dear friend Pedro Jafuno showed me pictures of the Carnation Revolution, and I recognised in one of them Rua Vítor Cordon, the street where he was living at the time. This shifted my perspective, bringing me remarkably close to that reality.
The notion that the army and the people stepped on that very same pavement that day in 1974 stuck with me, and that’s when I became aware of all the places and symbols that survived history and now allow us to learn from it.
Through this work, I intend to re-enact the perspective and narrow the gap between the reality of the Portuguese people before, during, and after the 25th of April. I also hope to highlight the importance of preserving and protecting the enormous legacy of the revolution: our democracy.
Today, as we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Carnation Revolution in 1974, my civic duty is to contribute so that history is not forgotten.
I hope that you won't forget either.
Jerome Faria
Jerome Faria (born 1983) is a composer based in Lisbon, Portugal, specialising in experimental sound compositions. His work spans a wide range of sonic expressions, from raw and powerful textures to harmonious and reflective compositions. In addition to his musical endeavours, Jerome has also delved into composing for film and theatre, expanding the visual dimension of his artistic repertoire.