Flor de Abacate

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1911–2004

Genres

choro, marchinha, polka, instrumental music

Instruments

7-string guitar, cavaquinho, pandeiro, trombone, mandolin, clarinet, saxophone

Biography

Flor de Abacate was a carnival ranch that left its mark on an era in Rio de Janeiro, especially in Largo do Machado, where it rivaled Ameno Resedá. Founded in 1911, the ranch stood out for its victories in the Rio carnival, winning the championship title in various years, such as 1911, 1919, 1924, 1930, 1931, and 1932, when it achieved a consecutive three-peat. Flor de Abacate was also the cradle of important figures connected to Brazilian music, such as Álvaro Sandim, musician and harmony director of the ranch, who composed the famous polka "Flor do Abacate" in 1915. In addition, D. Emerentina, mother of the iconic composer Dona Ivone Lara, also participated in the ranch.

The polka "Flor do Abacate", by Álvaro Sandim, immortalized the name of the ranch and became an important piece in the choro songbook. The work was composed in 1915 and, decades later, inspired the formation of a musical group of the same name in Minas Gerais. This group, "Flor de Abacate", formed in 1989, is dedicated to the research and dissemination of Brazilian instrumental music, with a special focus on choro, presenting innovative arrangements of original compositions and pieces by masters like Pixinguinha and Jacob do Bandolim.

The legacy of Flor de Abacate transcends carnival. While the carnival ranch celebrated revelry and Rio's popular culture, the musical group "Flor de Abacate" perpetuates the tradition of choro and Brazilian instrumental music. The trajectory of both, from the pioneering ranch of the early 20th century to the contemporary choro group, demonstrates the strength and resilience of Brazilian music and culture, connecting different eras and generations through art.