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Born in Rio de Janeiro in the second half of the 19th century, Choro is more than just a musical genre; it's the expression of the Brazilian soul in the form of melodies. Its rich and complex history is intertwined with the very formation of the country, reflecting African, European, and indigenous cultural influences.
The roots of Choro can be found in the capoeira circles and batuques of enslaved people, the modinhas and lundus sung in the senzala (slave quarters), and the waltzes and polkas brought over by Europeans. This cultural melting pot gave rise to a unique musical style characterized by improvisation, instrumental virtuosity, and deep emotion.
Initially marginalized by the elite, Choro flourished in the working-class neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro, where it became the soundtrack to parties, serenades, and informal gatherings. From there, its popularity grew rapidly, conquering all social classes and becoming a symbol of national identity. Over time, Choro transcended the borders of Brazil and gained international recognition, influencing musicians around the world.
Masters of Choro:
Numerous composers and instrumentalists contributed to the development and popularization of Choro, among whom we can highlight:
Joaquim Callado Jr.: Considered the "father of choro," Callado was a virtuoso flutist who brought together musicians from various styles in his group "Choro do Callado."
Ernesto Nazareth: One of the most important composers of choro, Nazareth was known for his innovative melodies and complex harmonies, which influenced generations of musicians.
Chiquinha Gonzaga: A pioneering figure in the Brazilian music scene, Chiquinha composed highly successful choros, in addition to being the first woman to conduct a choro band.
Pixinguinha: One of the greatest cavaquinho virtuosos, Pixinguinha revolutionized the genre with his innovative compositions and virtuosic improvisations.
Waldir Azevedo: One of Brazil's greatest cavaquinho (a Portuguese string instrument, similar to the ukulele) players, Azevedo composed choros of great melodic beauty and technical virtuosity, consolidating the instrument as one of the pillars of the genre.
Famous Choros:
Some choros became famous for their melodic beauty, historical significance, and popularity. Atraente (1888), by Chiquinha Gonzaga, was one of the first choros to be composed. Flor de Lótus, composed by Ernesto Nazareth in 1907, demonstrates Nazareth's technical mastery and the virtuosity of the piano in choro. Carinhoso (1916), by Pixinguinha, and Doce de Coco (1940), by Jacob do Bandolim, are also very important works.
Other noteworthy compositions include Tico-Tico no Fubá, by Zequinha de Abreu (1917), which became an international hit, and Chega de Saudade (1958), by Tom Jobim, which is considered one of the early landmarks of Bossa Nova and, although not categorized as a traditional choro, has undeniable roots in the genre.
Discover More:
Explore the discography of the great masters: Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Ernesto Nazareth, Waldir Azevedo, and Zequinha de Abreu are all essential names to start your choro journey.
Listen to online choro-specialized radios: Several online radios broadcast exclusively choro, allowing you to discover new artists and music.
Learning to play an instrument, such as the guitar, cavaquinho, or bandolim, will allow you to deepen your connection with choro and appreciate the musical nuances in even more detail.
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