Conversa de Cordas

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1995

Genres

choro, instrumental, MPB

Instruments

guitar, cavaquinho, violin, percussion, piano, banjo

Biography

Formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1995, Conversa de Cordas is an instrumental group dedicated to reinterpreting Brazilian popular and folkloric genres with a classical perspective. The ensemble initially comprised Marcello Lessa (guitar and vocals), Paulo Heleno (cavaquinho and banjo), Queca Vieira (violin), Don Chacal (percussion), and Dodô Moraes (piano). Their debut album, "Biscuit," released in the same year, garnered a nomination for the "Prêmio Sharp" as Best Instrumental Album. Both "O Globo" and "O Estado de São Paulo" newspapers recognized Conversa de Cordas as the instrumental revelation of the year. The group also ventured into theater, composing soundtracks for plays by Cia. de Teatro Artesanal, earning nominations for the "Prêmio Coca-Cola de Teatro Jovem" in 1996 and 1997.

In 1996, Conversa de Cordas released their second album, "Vou Vivendo de Folia," which also received a "Prêmio Sharp" nomination for Best Instrumental Album. Throughout their career, they have performed extensively in Rio de Janeiro at venues and projects such as "O Choro Agora Vai" at Teatro Sérgio Porto, "Som do Arquivo," "Tribunal de Contas," "Semana Chico Mário" at MIS, and "O Som das Ondas" at Arpoador. Their performances have also extended to other Brazilian cities, including Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto, São Paulo, and the Funarte rooms in Manaus, Belém, Rio Branco, and Macapá.

Conversa de Cordas has always explored a diverse repertoire, ranging from choro to tango, and from catira to frevo, aiming to capture the essence of Brazilian music. Over the years, the ensemble has seen changes in its lineup, with Dôdo Moraes, son of Jota Moraes, joining in 1999. The group's artistic approach involves original arrangements that highlight the timbres of their instruments, blending classical influences with Brazilian popular music. In 2015, a new iteration of Conversa de Cordas was formed by Tô Mendes and Alexandre Wuensche, both with backgrounds in classical guitar and choro, continuing the exploration of Brazilian musical heritage.

Discography

• Biscuit (1995)
• Vou Vivendo de Folia (1996)