Choro music traditionally features a combination of string and wind instruments. Common instruments include the Brazilian 7-string guitar (steel strings), 6-string classical guitar, cavaquinho (a small four-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele), flute, clarinet, bandolim, and pandeiro (a type of tambourine). The guitar(s) often provide the harmonic foundation and bass lines, while the cavaquinho and wind instruments generally carry the melody.

Joaquim Callado, often heralded as the "Father of Choro," played a pivotal role in the development of Brazilian choro music in 1870. He was a gifted flutist and composer who blended European classical music forms with Afro-Brazilian rhythms, creating a unique and vibrant musical style that laid the foundation for choro.

Other notable choro musicians include Chiquinha Gonzaga, a pioneering Brazilian composer, conductor, and pianist; Ernesto Nazareth, whose compositions such as "Odeon" and "Brejeiro" exemplified the intricate melodies and syncopated rhythms characteristic of choro; Pixinguinha, a saxophonist and flutist considered one of the greatest composers of choro; and Jacob do Bandolim, a virtuoso mandolin player known for his technical skill and expressive playing.

Choro music is distinct from other Brazilian genres like samba and bossa nova in several ways. While samba is often associated with carnival and features a strong, syncopated rhythm suitable for dancing, choro is more intricate and often showcases instrumental virtuosity. Bossa nova has a more laid-back, smooth sound and often includes vocal performances, whereas choro is primarily instrumental.

For those new to choro, listening to classic compositions can provide a good introduction to the genre. Essential pieces include "Carinhoso" by Pixinguinha, "Brejeiro" by Ernesto Nazareth, "Noites Cariocas" by Jacob do Bandolim, and "Odeon" also by Ernesto Nazareth. These pieces highlight the melodic richness and rhythmic complexity that define choro music.

Check out our playlists on Spotify for a taste of the variety of choro across the different generations.

If you're a musician with a background in jazz and/or classical, we can provide you with the charts, set lists, and playlists to familiarise yourself with the music. You can come along to one of our open rodas (jams) to check it out and play the songs you're comfortable with.

Choro is a highly complex genre and becoming proficient can take some time, so it's important to practise at home and play at the rodas to improve. If you're a beginner musician, there are intermediate steps you can take to reach the entry point for choro. Contact us and we'll help you get started.

If you'd like to host a choro event for your establishment, contact us by phone or email. We'll be more than happy to have a friendly chat to discuss your needs and see how we can best work together.