Irineu de Almeida

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1880–1914

Genres

choro, maxixe

Instruments

trombone, euphonium, ophicleide

Biography

Irineu Gomes de Almeida was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1862 and established himself as a central figure in Rio's musical production at the turn of the 20th century. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher, he stood out on the musical scene playing the trombone, euphonium, and ophicleide, having studied harmony, counterpoint, and fugue at the Imperial Conservatory of Music. He became known by the nickname "Irineu Batina" due to his habit of wearing a long frock coat and was a member of the historic Fire Department Band under the direction of Anacleto de Medeiros.

His intense artistic activity included notable partnerships in circus theater, composing for operettas by the Spinelli circus company, as well as collaborating with the famous clown Benjamin de Oliveira. A promoter of the choro jam sessions of the era and a regular at traditional venues like "Ao Cavaquinho de Ouro," Irineu played a fundamental role in shaping new talents by becoming a teacher and mentor to a young Heitor Villa-Lobos and the little Pixinguinha, whom he introduced to the musical environment and invited to join the "Filhas da Jardineira" rancho.

Throughout his career, he recorded his own compositions with the Choro Carioca group — including works such as the polka "Albertina" and the Brazilian tango "Aí, Morcego!" — and shared in historic recordings playing the ophicleide alongside Pixinguinha on the flute. Irineu de Almeida passed away in August 1914, at Pensão Vianna, leaving an indelible legacy for the development of choro and Brazilian instrumental music.