Pixinguinha

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Alfredo da Rocha Viana, Alfredo da Rocha Viana Filho, Alfredo da Rocha Vianna Filho, Alfredo da Rocha Vianna Jr., Bexiguinha, Pexinguinha, Pizindim, São Pixinguinha

Years Active

1908–1973

Genres

choro, samba, maxixe, waltz, polka

Instruments

flute, saxophone, cavaquinho

Biography

Alfredo da Rocha Vianna Filho, widely known as Pixinguinha, was born in Rio de Janeiro on May 4, 1897, and became one of the most seminal figures in the history of Brazilian popular music. Operating as a composer, arranger, conductor, flutist, and saxophonist, he played a fundamental role in the consolidation and popularization of choro, integrating the tradition of the genre's old masters with contemporary harmonies and sophisticated arrangements. Throughout his career, he led historic groups such as Os Oito Batutas and joined Benedito Lacerda's Regional, in addition to recording absolute masterpieces of the national songbook, such as Carinhoso, written in partnership with João de Barro.

His artistic relevance also extended to radio and recording studios, where he was a pioneer in harnessing new technologies and crafting complex arrangements for large instrumental ensembles, such as the Orquestra Victor Brasileira. Influenced from his youth by musical gatherings promoted by his father and frequented by figures like Heitor Villa-Lobos, Pixinguinha built a monumental body of work that engaged with both popular roots and the nationalist aspirations of his time.

Recognized during his lifetime and monumentalized by intellectuals and musicians in the following decades, Pixinguinha passed away on February 17, 1973, leaving an invaluable legacy that continues to be a central reference for Brazilian culture. His contribution to music has been celebrated in countless tributes, including the establishment of National Choro Day and the creation of the famous Projeto Pixinguinha by Funarte.

Discography

• 5 Companheiros (1961)
• Benedicto Lacerda e Pixinguinha (1962)
• Benedito Lacerda e Pixinguinha (1966)
• Pixinguinha, Clementina de Jesus & João da Baiana – Gente da Antiga (1968)
• Som Pixinguinha (1971)
• Carlos Gomes/ Villa Lobos/ Mossurunga/ Pixinguinha (1972)
• Latin Jazz Roots (2002)
• Leipziger Querflötenensemble, Leonard Bernstein, Astor Piazzolla, George Gershwin, Bill Holcombe (2), Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, Paul Desmond, Luiz Gonzaga, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Zequinha Abreu, Trevor Wye, Pixinguinha, Johnny Mandel – America! (2005)
• Gustavino, Iturralde, Kupferman, Ortolano, Piazzolla, Pixinguinha, Shatin, Gianluca Campagnolo, Francesco Scrofani Cancellieri – Influencias: Music for Clarinet and Piano (2017)
• Celso Machado, Paulinho da Vida, Pixinguinha, Astor Piazzolla, Jacob do Bandolim, Margaret Herlehy – Rosewood Café (2018)
• A Vida É um Buraco (2021)
• Flautista Brasileiro - Choro de Benedito Lacerda (2022)
• Ainda Me Recordo (2024)