Antonio Maria Passos

Genres

choro

Instruments

flute

Biography

Antonio Maria Passos was a Brazilian musician known for his contributions to the choro genre. He was a member of the "Grupo Chiquinha Gonzaga," an ensemble that played a significant role in popularizing choro and other Brazilian musical forms in the early 20th century.

The core members of the Grupo Chiquinha Gonzaga, alongside Passos, included Nelson dos Santos Alves on cavaquinho and Tute (Arthur de Souza Nascimento) on seven-string guitar. Passos himself was a flutist, contributing his melodic lines to the group's performances and recordings. The ensemble's work was released by various labels, solidifying their presence in the Brazilian music scene.

Passos's involvement with the Grupo Chiquinha Gonzaga places him among notable musicians who preserved and promoted traditional Brazilian music. His collaborations with artists like Tute and Nelson dos Santos Alves highlight his integration within the choro community and his role in carrying forward its rich musical heritage.