Chiquinho de Moraes

Origin

Campinas, SP

Also known as

Manoel Francisco de Moraes Mello

Years Active

1950s–2023

Genres

MPB, instrumental music, brazilian rock

Instruments

piano, keyboards

Biography

Manoel Francisco de Moraes Mello, globally known as Chiquinho de Moraes, was a renowned Brazilian pianist, conductor, arranger, and composer. Born in Campinas, São Paulo, on April 16, 1937, Chiquinho began his musical career early, at age 14, playing keyboards in a group. His musical training was solid, with piano studies since childhood and advanced training in harmony, counterpoint, and folklore with masters such as César Guerra-Peixe.

His professional trajectory led him to work with some of the biggest names in Brazilian popular music. In the 1950s, he stood out as an arranger for Celly Campello, on hits such as "Estúpido Cupido" and "Banho de Lua". Later, his genius as an arranger and conductor brought him close to artists such as Elis Regina, with whom he collaborated on albums in the early 1970s, and Roberto Carlos, for whom he produced albums and shows between 1970 and 1977. His ability to create orchestral arrangements, especially for strings and brass, earned him the nickname "the hero of MPB".

Chiquinho de Moraes also left his mark on film and cartoon soundtracks, in addition to having orchestrated important albums such as "O Grande Circo Místico", by Chico Buarque and Edu Lobo. Despite being described as an artist with a complex and reclusive temperament, his contribution to Brazilian music is undeniable, immortalized in countless recordings that marked an era. He passed away on April 30, 2023, at the age of 86, due to complications from COVID-19, contracted during cancer treatment.

Discography

• Wilson Miranda, Chico Moraes – Independência ou Morte (Trilha Sonora Original do Filme) (1972)