Frevo encompasses a wide range of musical styles originating in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, all of which are traditionally associated with Brazilian Carnival. The word frevo is said to come from frever, a misspeaking of the Portuguese word ferver (to boil). It is said that the sound of the frevo will make listeners and dancers feel as if they are boiling on the ground. The word frevo is used for both the frevo music and the frevo dance. Ask us about our Brazilian Music History courses!
Learning Center – Brazilian Rhythms Maracatu
Maracatu is a musical rhythm originating in the State of Pernambuco. Also known as Maracatu de Nação or Maracatu Rural. It is characterized mainly by strong percussion, at frenetic pace, which originated in the congadas, Coronation ceremonies of Kings and Queens of the black Nation. The percussion is based in large drums, called alfaias (pulse of the Maracatu), accompanied by boxes, taro, (ganzás) and a gonguê. Ask us about our Brazilian Rhythms courses!
Learning Center – Brazilian Rhythms Bossa Nova
Bossa nova is a genre of Brazilian music, which was developed and was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s and is today one of the best-known Brazilian genres abroad. The phrase bossa nova means literally “new trend”. A lyrical fusion of samba and jazz, bossa nova acquired a large following in the 1960s initially among young musicians and college students. Since its inception, it has remained a vital part of the standard jazz repertoire.
