Albertino Pimentel

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Albertino Inácio Pimentel, Carramona

Years Active

1900–1929

Genres

choro, polka, lundu, waltz

Instruments

trumpet, piston, conductor

Biography

Albertino Pimentel, also known as Carramona, was a prominent Brazilian composer, conductor, and trumpeter who left a significant mark on the early 20th-century choro music scene. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1874, Pimentel began his musical journey at the Colégio dos Meninos Desvalidos in Vila Isabel, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for brass instruments. His early career saw him playing in various bands before joining the prestigious Banda do Corpo de Bombeiros (Fire Department Band) in 1900, under the renowned conductor Anacleto de Medeiros. Pimentel's talent and dedication quickly propelled him within the band, where he eventually took over the baton as conductor after Medeiros's death in 1907.

Pimentel was a prolific composer, credited with over 70 works, many of which were recorded in the early decades of the 20th century by influential ensembles such as the Banda da Casa Edison, the Banda do Corpo de Bombeiros, and the Grupo de Chiquinha Gonzaga. His compositions, including polkas, waltzes, and choro pieces, were instrumental in shaping the genre and are still performed by musicians today. His polka "Coralina" is particularly noted as a standout work within the choro repertoire. Pimentel's close friendships with other notable choro musicians of his time, such as Irineu de Almeida and Chiquinha Gonzaga, further cemented his place in the vibrant musical community of early 20th-century Rio de Janeiro.

His legacy extends beyond his compositions and conducting. Pimentel was recognized as a pioneer in the recording of Brazilian music, with several of his works being among the first to be released on disc. In 2002, a dedicated album of his compositions was released as part of the "Princípios do Choro" CD collection, ensuring his music continued to be appreciated by new generations. Albertino Pimentel passed away in Rio de Janeiro in 1929, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to be celebrated within Brazilian popular music.