Riellinho

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Osvaldo Rielli

Years active

1935–1985

Genres

música sertaneja, choro, polca paraguaia, rancheira, valsa, guarânia, tango brejeiro, marcha-rancho, toada, moda gaúcha

Instruments

acordeão, piano, órgão, bandônio

Biography

Osvaldo Rielli, known artistically as Riellinho, was a notable Brazilian accordionist, pianist, organist, and composer, born in São Paulo on May 18, 1917. The son of José Rielli and brother of maestro Emílio Rielli, he demonstrated musical aptitude from an early age, performing at age 12 as an accordionist, pianist, and organist. His professional career began in 1935 at Rádio Educadora Paulista, where he joined regional ensembles and the Orquestra Típica Del Plata, playing the bandoneon. Throughout his career, Riellinho stood out as one of the most virtuoso accordionists of his time, with a repertoire that included waltzes, rancheiras, Paraguayan polkas, and chorinhos.

Riellinho had a prolific career across various radio stations, such as Rádio Bandeirantes, where he hosted the sertanejo program "Brasil Caboclo", and Rádio Tupi. He also formed important musical groups, such as the "Quarteto Sertanejo" at Emissoras Associadas in São Paulo and the "Trio Sertanejo" with Serrinha and Mariano (later replaced by Caboclinho and then Zé do Rancho). His skill on the accordion led him to accompany renowned duos like Serrinha and Caboclinho, and Serrinha and Zé do Rancho. In 1943, he made his first recording featuring his own compositions, such as the waltz "Sol de Minha Terra" and the rancheira "Sanfona de Oito Baixos".

In addition to his career as an instrumentalist and accompanist, Riellinho was also a composer, with works such as the Paraguayan polka "Araponga", which became one of his best-known solos and was re-recorded multiple times. He also partnered with other artists, such as Tonico and Tinoco on the composition "Caminhos do Amor". Riellinho directed the academy "Riellinho Studios de Acordeon" in São Paulo and, in 1985, retired from artistic life. His music and legacy continue to be remembered in the Brazilian regional music scene.