The ensemble’s name says it all. In this ensemble you will learn all about the rich repertoire of choro and samba, Brazilian folk music which has lost none of its vitality. Osman Martins (guitar, cavaquinho, pandeiro, vocals) is himself an exponent of these music styles and has all that is needed to pass on his knowledge of the repertoire and the joy of playing together.
Choro
”Choro is classical music that you play on bare feet and with blisters on your hands” (Aquiles Rique Rei, Brazilian singer)
The literal meaning of choro is “song of complaint”. However, owing to the fast rhythm and the cheerful melodies you don’t realise that the songs are really about pain. This urban folk music style (originally from Rio de Janeiro) is recognisable by its virtuoso improvisations and catchy contra-rhythms.
A choro ensemble consists of guitar and cavaquinho, often complemented by mandolin, clarinet, saxophone and violin. The rhythm section always includes a pandeiro.
Samba
The samba also originates in Rio de Janeiro and is the product of rhythms brought by slaves from Africa. Samba is very percussive music played on festive occasions such as carnival; the music is traditionally played on string instruments such as the guitar and the cavaquinho; the rhythm section includes tamborim and pandeiro. This simple basis is often enlarged by instruments including clarinet, trumpet and flute.