Samba em prelúdio is a Brazilian song written by Baden Powell and Vinícius de Moraes that blends samba with early bossa nova sensibilities. It was first released in 1962 on the Audio Fidelity LP AF-78-091, performed by Geraldo Vandré and Ana Lúcia with a conjunto. The lyrics tell a story of longing and saudade, with the protagonist declaring that without the beloved there is no reason to cry and pleading for the lover to return. The tune has become a classic in Brazilian music and has been recorded by various artists, including a 1963 version by Vinícius de Moraes with Odette Lara. It reflects the poetic and melodic collaboration that characterizes much of the era’s MPB and Brazilian songbook.
