Abel Ferreira

Origin

Coromandel, MG

Years active

1927–1980

Genres

choro, samba, maxixe, baião, valsas, bolero, fox-trote, maracatu, xote, afro cubano

Instruments

clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, harmonica, bamboo flute

Biography

Abel Ferreira was a renowned Brazilian composer, clarinetist, and saxophonist, born in Coromandel, Minas Gerais, on February 15, 1915. His musical journey began early, learning to play the clarinet at age twelve with José Ferreira de Resende and Hipácio Gomes. At 17, he moved to Belo Horizonte, where he performed on Rádio Guarani and began playing the saxophone. His career consolidated starting in 1943, when he moved to Rio de Janeiro and joined prominent orchestras in casinos and radio stations, such as those of Ferreira Filho, Vicente Paiva, and Bené Nunes.

Known for his peculiar style and improvisation, Abel Ferreira is considered one of the creators of the "Brazilian wind school", alongside names like Pixinguinha and Luiz Americano. He recorded his first success, the choro "Chorando baixinho", in 1942, with the Columbia record label. Throughout his career, he accompanied several renowned artists of the era, such as Francisco Alves, Orlando Silva, Sílvio Caldas, Marlene, and Emilinha Borba, in addition to leading the "Turma do Sereno" on Rádio Nacional.

As a composer, Abel Ferreira left a legacy of more than 50 songs, including choros, waltzes, and baiões, with highlights such as "Chorando baixinho", "Acariciando", and "Luar de Coromandel". He undertook several international tours, performing in Portugal, Europe, and the Soviet Union. In 1976, he participated in the Pixinguinha Project, enchanting audiences all over Brazil. Abel Ferreira passed away in Rio de Janeiro on April 13, 1980, being remembered as a master of the Brazilian clarinet.