Satyro Bilhar

Origin

Crato, CE

Also known as

Sátiro Lopes de Alcântara Bilhar, Sátiro Bilhar

Genres

choro, modinha, lundu, polca

Instruments

violónix, classical guitar, voice

Biography

Sátiro Bilhar, born in Crato in 1860, was an important Brazilian classical guitar player, singer, and composer of the old guard of choro. Throughout his life, he divided his professional activities working as a telegrapher for the Central do Brasil Railroad, while maintaining an intense and remarkable bohemian routine in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where he passed away in 1926.

Recognized as one of the most beloved and emblematic figures of the musical scene of his time, he was part of the pioneering generation of choro alongside fundamental names such as Quincas Laranjeiras, Catulo da Paixão Cearense, Heitor Villa-Lobos, João Pernambuco, and Donga. He was also the uncle of the composer Branca Bilhar, keeping musical traditions alive in his family.

Although not considered a traditional virtuoso of the instrument, he stood out for his peculiar performance style on the classical guitar, which frequently attracted more attention than the actual repertoire performed. His work encompassed traditional genres such as modinhas, lundus, polcas, and choros, leaving behind memorable creations such as "Tira a poeira", later recorded by Jacob do Bandolim.