Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Pixinguinha

Role / Field:

Master composer of Choro, blending Brazilian rhythms with jazz and European influences.

Born:

1897-04-23

Died:

1973-02-07

Century / Era:

1897s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Alfredo da Rocha Viana Filho (May 4, 1897 – February 17, 1973), better known as Pixinguinha, (Portuguese: [piʃĩˈɡiɲɐ]) was a Brazilian composer, arranger, flutist, and saxophonist born in Rio de Janeiro. He worked with Brazilian popular music and developed the choro, a genre of Brazilian music that blends Afro-Brazilian rhythms with European influences. Some of his compositions include "Carinhoso", "Glória", "Lamento", and "Um a Zero". Pixinguinha merged the traditional music of 19th-century composers with modern jazz-inspired harmonies, sophisticated arrangements, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

This is attributed as having helped establish choro as an aspect of Brazilian culture. Pixinguinha was among the first Brazilian musicians to embrace radio broadcasting and studio recording, technologies that played a key role in bringing his music to a broader audience. Pixinguinha was born to musician Alfredo da Rocha Viana, a flutist with an extensive collection of choro music scores and regularly hosted musical gatherings in his house. In 1912, Pixinguinha began performing in cabarets and theatrical revues in Rio de Janeiro’s Lapa district. He later became a flutist...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alphonse Daudet — Contemporary (Died in 1897) (1897): French novelist celebrated for his evocative short stories and novels.
• Amelia Earhart — Contemporary (Born in 1897) (1897): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• Andrés Bonifacio — Contemporary (Died in 1897) (1897): Father of the Philippine Revolution, founder of the Katipunan.
• A. S. Neill — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Abebe Bikila — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• Adrien Brody — Contemporary (Born in 1973) (1973): Acclaimed American actor known for intense, emotionally charged character portrayals.
• Aleksey Yermolov — Shared historical date (04-23 · Died) (1861): Prominent Russian general known for service in the Napoleonic Wars and the Caucasian Campaign.
• Alistair Brownlee — Shared historical date (04-23 · Born) (1988): English former triathlete, renowned for two Olympic gold medals and multiple world titles.
• Adolphe Sax — Shared historical date (02-07 · Died) (1894): Belgian inventor who created the saxophone and revolutionized wind instruments.
• Albert Finney — Shared historical date (02-07 · Died) (2019): Esteemed English actor celebrated for his versatile stage and screen performances.
• 1897 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1897
• April 23 (04-23) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 23
• 1973 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1973
• February 7 (02-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 7

Frequently Asked Questions about Pixinguinha