Moreno e Moreninho

Origin

Machado, MG

Years Active

1940s–1995

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira, música folclórica

Instruments

viola caipira, voz

Biography

Moreno & Moreninho was a seminal Brazilian musical duo formed by brothers Pedro Cioffi (Moreno) and João Cioffi (Moreninho). Born in Machado, Minas Gerais, they were instrumental in preserving and popularizing traditional caipira music, a genre deeply rooted in the Brazilian countryside.

Their artistic journey began in the 1940s, performing on local radio stations in Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais. They were pioneers in adapting folk music, such as Folias de Reis and Congadas, for radio broadcasts, thus reaching a wider audience. In the early 1950s, they moved to São Paulo and gained significant popularity performing on Rádio Record. Their first record, a 78 RPM single, was released in 1953, featuring the songs "Namoro Moderno" and "Nossa Senhora Aparecida."

Moreno & Moreninho's repertoire explored various traditional Brazilian rhythms, including Folia de Reis, Congada, Catira, Toada, Cururú, Rasqueado, Recortado, and Xote, alongside the authentic "moda de viola." Their contribution extended beyond musical performance; they also released a viola method book titled "No Braço da Viola." The duo's legacy is significant, with songs like "João Boiadeiro" becoming anthems of caipira music. After Moreno's passing in 1995, Moreninho continued his musical career, forming a duo with his daughter, Morena, as "Morena e Moreninho."

Discography

• No Braço Desta Viola (1966)
• Moreno e Moreninho (1969)
• 20 anos (1970)
• "Folia de Reis" (1970)
• O Balanço da Rede (1971)
• Casa de Mãe Joana - Do Filme "Rancho Fundo" (1971)
• Aqui Está o Brasil (1972)
• Dança de Congo (1974)
• Viola Manhosa (1975)
• Berrante Do Amor (1977)
• Coração de Caboclo (1978)
• Rosas para Nossa Senhora (1978)
• Rio de Piracicaba (1978)
• E Sua Embaixada Bandeira de Santos Reis (1979)
• 25 Anos de Viola (1979)
• Saudade de Boiadeiro (1979)
• Viola Consoladeira (1986)
• Trilha Original Do Filme Rancho Fundo (1991)
• Capelinha de Santos Reis (1991)
• 33 Anos de Viola (1991)
• Embaixada de Santo Reis (2012)
• Sertanejo Raiz Vol. 28 (2013)
• Capelinha de Santo Reis (2017)
• Clássicas Memórias (2026)
• As Mais Clássicas Sertanejas (2026)
• Saudades Sertanejas (2026)
• Laço do João Boiadeiro