Sexteto Radamés Gnattali

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1955

Genres

instrumental, choro, MPB

Instruments

piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, double bass, drums, accordion, cavaquinho, percussion

Biography

The Sexteto Radamés Gnattali was an influential Brazilian instrumental group, originating from the Quarteto Continental, founded in 1949 by Radamés Gnattali. Initially with three members, the group evolved into a quartet and later into a quintet in the mid-1950s, incorporating Aída Gnattali, Radamés's sister, on a second piano, and becoming a definitive sextet in 1960. The lineup sought to innovate in Brazilian music, replacing the instrumental base of jazz with instruments more closely tied to regional music and choro, such as two acoustic guitars, cavaquinho, double bass, drums, and percussion. This revolutionary approach contributed significantly to the evolution of the orchestration and sound of Brazilian popular music.

The sextet undertook important tours, including one in Europe in 1960, as part of the III Official Caravan of Brazilian Popular Music, with performances in Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, and England. The group was recognized for its talent and innovation, being chosen by Radiolândia Magazine in 1959 as the best instrumental ensemble of the year, receiving the Golden Microphone trophy. Throughout its trajectory, the Sexteto Radamés Gnattali recorded works by renowned composers such as Pixinguinha, Tom Jobim, Luiz Gonzaga, and Ary Barroso, as well as original pieces by Radamés Gnattali, such as "Meu amigo Tom Jobim" and "Divertimento para seis instrumentos".

The group's discography includes albums such as "Radamés Gnattali Sexteto" (1975), which featured the participation of a string orchestra on some tracks, and "3ª Caravana – Radamés na Europa com seu sexteto e Edu" (1960). The instrumental lineup of the sextet was composed of Radamés Gnattali and Aída Gnattali on pianos, Zé Menezes on electric guitar, Chiquinho do Acordeon on accordion, Pedro Vidal Ramos on double bass, and Luciano Perrone on drums. The legacy of the Sexteto Radamés Gnattali lies in its ability to fuse erudite and popular elements, creating sophisticated and innovative arrangements that enriched the landscape of Brazilian instrumental music.