Turunas da Mauriceia

Origin

Recife, PE

Years Active

1926–1930

Genres

choro, samba, embolada, coco, regional music

Instruments

acoustic guitar, mandolin, voice

Biography

Os Turunas da Mauriceia were a famous vocal and instrumental ensemble formed in Recife, Pernambuco, in 1926. The choice of the group's name was suggested by the historian Mário Melo, referencing the times of Dutch rule in the region and the government of Maurício de Nassau, when the Pernambucan capital was known as Mauriceia. The ensemble originally featured important names in our culture, such as Augusto Calheiros, João Frazão, Manuel Bezerra Lima and Luperce Miranda, standing out for introducing northeastern sounds to the stages of the Southeast.

In 1927, the ensemble made a memorable trip to Rio de Janeiro, debuting at the Teatro Lírico and enchanting the Carioca audience with genres previously unheard of in the federal capital, such as emboladas, cocos and northeastern sambas. Performing in typical hinterland (sertanejo) attire, the group achieved enormous popularity and exerted a profound influence on local artists, inspiring fundamental figures such as Noel Rosa and Almirante to begin their careers composing in the sertanejo style.

Despite their relatively short trajectory which ended in 1930, Os Turunas da Mauriceia left an expressive phonographic legacy with eighteen records recorded by Odeon and dozens of recorded songs. With the end of the group, some members returned to Pernambuco, while others, such as Augusto Calheiros and Luperce Miranda, continued firmly in highly successful artistic careers in Brazilian music.

Discography

• Pinião / Pandeiro Furado (1927)
• Helena / Os Três Matutos (1927)