Dilermando Reis

Origin

Guaratinguetá, SP

Years Active

1931–1977

Genres

choro, seresta, instrumental guitar, MPB

Instruments

acoustic guitar

Biography

Dilermando dos Santos Reis was born in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, in 1916, establishing himself as one of the greatest guitarists, composers, and teachers in the history of Brazilian music. The son of an amateur guitarist, his path was transformed in his adolescence when he accompanied the legendary Levino da Conceição on trips through the countryside, absorbing fundamental techniques that would shape his art. Later, he settled in Rio de Janeiro, where he had the support of João Pernambuco and began a brilliant career marked by success in the Golden Age of radio, performing for over two decades on Rádio Nacional.

As a performer and composer, Dilermando left a monumental legacy with hundreds of original works, including classics such as the waltz "Se Ela Perguntar" and the choro "Dois Destinos", in addition to popularizing songs by names like Canhoto. His innovative technique stood out for the pioneering use of steel strings, rhythmic precision, and virtuosity with the thumb, creating a unique sound that moved between choro, seresta, and concert guitar. His friendship with Juscelino Kubitschek also marked his life, having even served as the guitar teacher of the president's daughter.

Dilermando Reis passed away in Rio de Janeiro in 1977, leaving behind a vast discography with more than 70 78-rpm records and over 30 LPs. His influence remains alive and revered by generations of musicians, being interpreted by great names such as Raphael Rabello and Yamandu Costa, in addition to continuing as an indispensable reference for the study of the guitar in Brazil.

Discography

• Dilermando Reis (1956)
• Sua Majestade o Violão (1957)
• Volta ao Mundo (1959)
• Dilermando Reis com Orquestra de Radamés Gnattali – Melodias da Alvorada (1960)
• Abismo de Rosas (1961)
• Francisco Petrônio & Dilermando Reis – Uma Voz e um Violão em Serenata (1962)
• Presença de Dilermando Reis (1962)
• Francisco Petrônio e Dilermando Reis – Uma Voz e um Violão em Serenata - Vol. 2 (1963)
• Gotas de Lágrimas (1963)
• Junto a Teu Coração (1965)
• Meu Amigo Violão (1965)
• Subindo ao Ceu (1966)
• Francisco Petrônio e Dilermando Reis – Uma Voz e um Violão em Serenata Volume 3 (1966)
• Recordações (1967)
• Saudade de Ouro Preto (1968)
• Dilermando Reis (1968)
• Sons de Natal (1969)
• Dilermando Reis (1970)
• Francisco Petrônio e Dilermando Reis – Uma Voz e um Violão em Serenata Vol. 4 (1970)
• Sua Majestade o Violão Nº2 (1971)
• Dilermando Reis (1971)
• Dilermando Reis, Francisco Petrônio – Uma Voz e um Violão em Serenata Vol. 5 (1971)
• Interpreta Pixinguinha (1972)
• Homenagem a Ernesto Nazareth (1973)
• Francisco Petrônio, Dilermando Reis – Uma Voz e um Violão em Serenata Vol. 7 (1973)
• Francisco Petrônio, Dilermando Reis – O Melhor da Seresta Brasileira (1973)
• Francisco Petrônio, Dilermando Reis – Uma Voz e um Violão em Serenata - Vol. 6 (1974)
• O Violão Brasileiro de Dilermando Reis (1975)
• José Mojica com Dilermando Reis e Orquestra – Donde Estás... Corazon! (1977)
• No Choro (1978)
• Disco de ouro, Dilermando Reis (1990)
• Philippe Villa (3), Tesař, Barrios, Tárrega, Belevi, Giuliani, Coste, Cardoso, Reis, Brouwer – Guitar Recital (2002)
• Reis - Salvatore Fortunato – Guitar Music (2019)
• O Melhor (2020)
• Choro de Ouro (2021)
• Flôr do Mal (2023)
• Recital de Violão (2024)
• O Melhor de Dilermando Reis
• Tributo a Dilermando Reis e Waldir Azevedo