Pixinguinha nickname(s):
Pizinguim, Bexiguinha, Pexinguinha, Pixinguinha
Pixinguinha date of birth:
April 23, 1897
How old was Pixinguinha when died?
75
Where was Pixinguinha born?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When did Pixinguinha die?
February 17, 1973
What is Pixinguinha nationality?
Brazilian
What is Pixinguinha's occupation?
Songwriter, composer, arranger, instrumentalist
What genre is Pixinguinha's work?
Choro, Maxixe, Samba, Waltz, Jazz
What instruments does Pixinguinha play?
Saxophone, flute
Short Biography
Alfredo da Rocha Viana, Jr., better known as Pixinguinha (April 23, 1897 – February 7, 1973) was a composer, arranger, flautist and saxophonist born in Rio de Janeiro. Pixinguinha is considered one of the greatest Brazilian composers of popular music, particularly within the genre of music known as choro. By integrating the music of the older choro composers of the 19th century with contemporary jazz-like harmonies, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, and sophisticated arrangements, he introduced choro to a new audience and helped to popularize it as a uniquely Brazilian genre. He was also one of the first Brazilian musicians and composers to take advantage of the new professional opportunities offered to musicians by the new technologies of radio broadcasting and studio recording. Pixinguinha composed dozens of choros, including some of the most well-known works in the genre such as "Carinhoso", "Glória", "Lamento" and "Um a Zero".