Orquestra de Cordas Dedilhadas de Pernambuco

Origin

Recife, PE

Years active

1980s–mid-1990s

Genres

instrumental, popular brazilian music, nordestina

Instruments

viola sertaneja, bandolim, cavaquinho, violão, percussão, contrabaixo

Biography

The Orquestra de Cordas Dedilhadas de Pernambuco (OCDP), often referred to as "Dedilhadas," was an instrumental ensemble that emerged in Recife, Pernambuco, in the early 1980s and remained active until the mid-1990s. Founded by Maestro Cussy de Almeida, the orchestra aimed to revive and reinterpret Northeastern Brazilian music, drawing inspiration from the Armorial Movement and its focus on popular artistic expressions. The group's unique sound was achieved by blending traditional instruments with a distinctive instrumentation.

The OCDP's ensemble featured a combination of three Northeastern violas, three bandolins, a cavaquinho, a guitar, percussion, and a contrabass. This fusion of instruments was intended to unite urban and rural elements within popular instrumental music from the Northeast region of Brazil. The orchestra's repertoire included arrangements of traditional folk music, as well as compositions by contemporary artists, showcasing the versatility and richness of Brazilian instrumental music.

The Orquestra de Cordas Dedilhadas de Pernambuco released two albums during its existence: one in 1984, produced by Maurício Carrilho and re-released by Funarte, and another in 1987. The group's work was instrumental in preserving and promoting the musical heritage of Pernambuco and the broader Northeast, contributing significantly to the landscape of Brazilian instrumental music. Its legacy continues to be recognized through academic research and reissues of its recordings.