Pereira Filho

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

João Pereira Filho

Years active

1929–1986

Genres

choro, samba, baião, bolero, waltz

Instruments

guitar, mandolin, cavaquinho

Biography

João Pereira Filho, known professionally as Pereira Filho, was a prominent Brazilian guitarist, mandolin player, cavaquinho player, and composer born in Rio de Janeiro on September 22, 1914. He was the son of João Pereira, a guitar instructor and author of a string instrument method. Pereira Filho began his musical journey at a remarkably young age, starting to play the cavaquinho at four years old and taking mandolin lessons from his father even before learning to read. His early musical inclinations led him to form ensembles with schoolmates for local parties.

Pereira Filho's career gained momentum as he focused on the guitar, participating in a festival at the National Music Institute at age 13. He composed his first piece, "Variações sobre Cateretê," a guitar solo, in 1929. His professional journey included stints with notable orchestras, such as the Napoleão Tavares Orchestra in 1930 and the Ioiô Orchestra for eight years starting in 1932. His debut on the Victor label in 1933 featured his guitar solos, including his compositions "Jongo Africano" and the waltz "Áurea."

Throughout his career, Pereira Filho's compositions were recognized and recorded by other artists, such as the fado "Pra te Amar" by Isalina Seramota and the samba-canção "Tua Partida," co-written with Mário Morais and recorded by Francisco Alves. He also worked as an accompanist, notably with his own ensemble for singers Dircinha Batista and Déo in the 1940s, and as a soloist and orchestra director. His repertoire spanned various genres, including choros, baião, boleros, and more. Pereira Filho passed away on December 12, 1986, leaving a significant mark on Brazilian instrumental music.