Arthur Elsner

Origin

Porto Alegre, RS

Years active

1913–1978

Genres

choro, instrumental music

Instruments

accordion, piano, drums

Biography

Arthur Elsner was a Brazilian composer, conductor, accordionist, pianist, and drummer, born in Porto Alegre on June 24, 1899. Blind from birth, he moved to Rio de Janeiro at the age of eight to study at the Benjamin Constant Institute, where he learned to read and write music using the Braille system. He returned to Porto Alegre in 1913 and soon after took over the direction of the city's municipal band.

Elsner's musical career was significantly impacted by two major incidents that nearly destroyed his body of work. The great flood in Porto Alegre in 1941 and a fire at Rádio Farroupilha, sparked by public outrage following the death of President Getúlio Vargas, both caused immense damage to his compositions and recordings. Despite these setbacks, his contributions to Brazilian music, particularly within the instrumental and popular music scenes of Rio Grande do Sul, remain notable.

His compositions include pieces like "Minuano" and "Rapsódia 1835." Elsner's life and work are a testament to his resilience and dedication to music, overcoming significant personal and environmental challenges. He passed away in Porto Alegre on May 2, 1978, leaving behind a legacy as a talented musician and composer in the Brazilian musical landscape.