Choro, also popularly called chorinho, is an instrumental Brazilian popular music genre which originated in 19th century Rio de Janeiro. Despite its name, the music often has a fast and happy rhythm. It is characterized by virtuosity, improvisation and subtle modulations, and is full of syncopation and counterpoint. Choro is considered the first characteristically Brazilian genre of urban popular music. The serenaders who play choros are known as chorões.
Pixinguinha (1897–1973) is one of the most important choro composers of all time.
Joaquim Callado (1848-1880) is considered one of the creators of the choro genre of music.
Instruments commonly played in choro, from left to right: the seven-string guitar, the acoustic guitar, the mandolin, the flute, the cavaquinho and the pandeiro.
The music of Brazil encompasses various regional musical styles influenced by European, American, African and Amerindian forms. Brazilian music developed some unique and original styles such as forró, repente, coco de roda, axé, sertanejo, samba, bossa nova, MPB, gaucho music, pagode, tropicália, choro, maracatu, embolada, frevo, brega, modinha and Brazilian versions of foreign musical styles, such as rock, pop music, soul, hip-hop, disco music, country music, ambient, industrial and psychedelic music, rap, classical music, fado, and gospel.
Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais: one of the most important musical centers in Brazil during the 18th century.
José Maurício Nunes Garcia.
Antônio Carlos Gomes.
Heitor Villa-Lobos.
