Choro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1800s–present

Genres

choro, MPB, instrumental

Instruments

flute, mandolin, clarinet, saxophone, cavaquinho, guitar, seven-string guitar, pandeiro

Biography

Choro, also known as chorinho, is an instrumental music genre that emerged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the late 19th century. Despite its name, which translates to "cry" or "lament," choro music is typically vibrant and cheerful, characterized by virtuosity and improvisation. It is considered the first distinctly Brazilian genre of urban popular music, blending European influences like polkas and waltzes with Afro-Brazilian rhythms such as lundu and batuque.

The traditional choro ensemble, known as a "regional," usually features solo instruments like the flute, mandolin, clarinet, or saxophone, accompanied by cavaquinho, guitars (including the seven-string guitar), and pandeiro. The cavaquinho provides rhythm and harmony, the guitars offer harmonic variations, the seven-string guitar functions as a bass, and the pandeiro maintains the rhythmic pulse. While primarily instrumental, there are instances of choro with lyrics, though these often appeared long after the original composition.

Choro represents a significant and enduring musical formation within Brazilian popular music. Its development parallels that of early American genres like ragtime and jazz, which also arose from a fusion of European and African musical traditions. The genre has continued to evolve, with contemporary artists like Yamandu Costa showcasing its rich complexity and enduring appeal.