This virtual and educational 20-30 minute presentation/performance with Dr. Magrinelli that will discuss Choro music and allow for discussion afterward.

Watch Choro Music with Dr. Magrinelli on YouTube

"The Brazilian popular music known as Choro has its origins in the mid-nineteenth century as a mixture of European, African, and indigenous Brazilian influences. The music was most often instrumental, but sometimes lyrics and vocals were added to the ensemble. This music was influenced by rhythmic elements from both Africa and Brazil.

Choro was very popular in the middle of the nineteenth century and represents a synthesis of some of the European dance forms and harmonic structure, especially in dances such as the waltz, polka, and serenade. There were also other dances developed in Brazil around the same time, such as Maxixe and Lundu. These dances were influenced by African traditions and also had a huge impact on choro, especially in the rhythmic aspect. Instrumentalists began to incorporate elements from each of these dances while they were performing in bars and other social gatherings. These instrumental ensembles rapidly became known and standardized as the choro ensemble. The events where these early choro ensembles were performing began to be known as Roda de Choro. Little by little, the music performed by these ensembles gradually came to be called choro or chorinho, and the performers were the chorões.

Although the early choro was influenced by popular dances (such as the waltz and the polka) which had been imported to Brazil, it had some distinct differences, especially in melody and rhythm. Each of these differences, including the use of indigenous instrumentation, made choro a unique and enduring genre."

This event will be held virtually with ArtHouse Alliance. A Zoom link will be sent through email prior to the event. There is a suggested donation that can be made through PayPal.