Rio is the birthplace of choro, literally “crying, sobbing”,
which was the original Carnaval music. It is mainly instrumental, played by a
small combo that might include flute, guitar, cavaquinho (Portuguese guitar)
and clarinet.
It is rooted in European rhythms overlaid with
Afro-Brazilian syncopation. Pixinguinha, the most influential composer of
choro, was one of the inspirations for the famous Brazilian classical composer,
Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Choro has recently seen a revival after decades of neglect thanks
to the sambista Paulinho da Viola.