Oscar Bellandi

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years Active

1930–1965

Genres

samba, MPB

Instruments

violão

Biography

Oscar Bellandi was a prominent Brazilian classical and popular guitarist and composer, born in Salvador, Bahia, on March 26, 1911. Moving to Rio de Janeiro at a young age, he built a solid musical career performing at the famous Cassino da Urca and working on Rádio Mayrink Veiga. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous legendary figures of Brazilian music, including Ataulfo Alves, Dick Farney, and Elizeth Cardoso. He also organized and directed several renowned musical ensembles such as Milionários do Ritmo, Os Copacabanas, and Os Pinguins, and performed for many years at the Hotel Quitandinha in Petrópolis.

As a prolific composer, Bellandi authored more than 100 songs recorded by major interpreters of the era, such as Ângela Maria, Ciro Monteiro, Lana Bittencourt, and Virgínia Lane. His work spanned various classic Brazilian genres, notably samba and marchas, capturing the vibrant nightlife and cultural essence of mid-century Rio de Janeiro. Notable compositions included collaborations with Djalma Ferreira and Dias da Cruz, cementing his reputation as a versatile and respected songwriter within the national scene.

His enduring legacy in Brazilian popular music was further honored in 1958 when singer Carlos Roberto dedicated an entire LP, "Música de Oscar Bellandi", exclusively to interpreting his compositions. Bellandi passed away on October 31, 1965, leaving behind a rich repertoire that continued to be recorded and appreciated by later artists, including trombonist Raul de Barros, who recorded his work decades later.