CHORO Meaning and
Definition
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Choro is a musical genre that originated in Brazil in the late 19th century. It is often considered the first purely Brazilian urban music genre, characterized by its distinctive instrumental style and lively rhythms. Choro can be translated as "cry" or "lament," and it typically conveys a sentimental and nostalgic mood, even though it is also known for its joyful and playful elements.
In terms of instrumentation, choro typically features a small ensemble consisting of a guitar, cavaquinho (a small four-stringed instrument), flute, and a variety of percussion instruments such as the pandeiro (a type of Brazilian tambourine). The melodies are usually intricate and virtuosic, often performed with improvisation, and the rhythm section provides a lively and syncopated accompaniment.
Historically, choro was popularized in the early 20th century by renowned composers and instrumentalists such as Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, and Ernesto Nazareth. It gained national and international recognition and contributed to the formation of Brazil's national identity and cultural heritage.
Today, choro continues to exist as a vibrant music genre, attracting both traditional and contemporary musicians. It has also influenced other Brazilian genres like samba and bossa nova, as well as jazz and world music. Choro circles, known as "rodas de choro," remain popular social gatherings where musicians come together to play, improvise, and keep the genre alive.
Etymology of CHORO
The word "choro" has its etymology in Portuguese and derives from the Latin word "chorus". In turn, "chorus" comes from the Greek word "χορός" (chorós), which referred to a group of singers and dancers. The term "choro" originally referred to a style of instrumental music born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the late 19th century. Over time, it expanded its meaning to include both the style of music and the groups of musicians who played it. Today, "choro" is recognized as an essential genre of Brazilian music, characterized by its improvisation, syncopation, and lively rhythms.
