"Aquarela do Brasil" ("Watercolor of Brazil"), also known in English-speaking countries simply as "Brazil", is one of the most popular Brazilian songs of all time, written by Ary Barroso on a pluvious night in 1939. It was first recorded by Aracy Cortes later that year. This song marked the creation of a new genre, the samba-exaltação (Exaltation Samba), which was looked upon favorably by the nationalist dictatorship of Getúlio Vargas. Some people have suggested that the composer was kowtowing to the Vargas regime. Although the Barroso family strongly denies it, Ary Barroso is known to have written at least one anti-fascist song, "Salada Mixta," recorded by Carmen Miranda in October 1938. The song has been successful through the years and has been played in many different styles, from a cappella to orchestral arrangements.
