Pixinguinha

Pixinguinha, born Alfredo da Rocha Vianna Filho (April 23, 1897 – February 17, 1973), was a Brazilian musician, composer, and arranger, widely regarded as a leading figure in the development of choro, a Brazilian instrumental music genre. A virtuoso flutist and saxophonist, he helped modernize choro by merging melodic invention with refined harmony, rhythmic vitality, and sophisticated arrangements, shaping the sound of Brazilian instrumental music in the early 20th century.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Pixinguinha began performing as a child and pursued professional work as a teenager. In the 1910s and 1920s he led ensembles that expanded traditional choros with jazz influences and new instrumental textures, contributing to the genre’s enduring popularity. His work often emphasized tight ensemble playing, innovative harmonies, and memorable melodies.

In the 1920s he formed the ensemble Os Oito Batutas, which toured Brazil and abroad, helping popularize Brazilian music internationally. Through his compositions and arrangements, he established a repertoire that became foundational for choro and influenced later Brazilian popular music.

Notable works include Carinhoso (1917), one of his best-known pieces, a melodic standard in Brazilian music. The tune’s enduring appeal lies in its expressive melody and lyrical phrasing; lyrics were later added by Braguinha (João de Barro).

Pixinguinha’s legacy rests on his role in elevating choro to a national and international art form, his innovations in instrumentation and arrangement, and his influence on generations of Brazilian musicians. He died in Rio de Janeiro in 1973.