Choro Das Tres performs at the Blankenship Recital Hall on Oct. 25. Photo Credit / Payton Frimel
On Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Brazilian-based group Choro Das Tres visited UT Martin and performed a recital in Blankenship Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building. The trio also conducted masterclasses with the jazz and Choro ensembles at UT Martin.
The recital began at 6:30 p.m. and lasted for a little over an hour. The group played several pieces with differing Brazilian styles such as Bossa Nova. The trio showcased some of their very own discography as well, including pieces created with the trio’s father who started it all.
Choro Das Tres is a group of three sisters, Corina, Lia and Elisa, they make music showcasing their Brazilian roots. The group used to consist of four members including their father, Eduardo. He tragically passed away from COVID-19 in 2021. Since his passing, the trio has continued to share their love of music by traveling and playing for the public. The group is currently in the midst of their U.S. tour, traveling in an RV, across seventeen shows within eleven states.
When asked how making music is with her family, Corina responds, “It is great. We have played together for over twenty years and that is reflected in our music. We live together so it is easy to rehearse.”
In the nineteenth century, Brazilians started to play European music while adding in new elements that made it unique to Brazilian style. The first Choro ensembles were called “Ensembles of Sticks and Songs” because the ensembles would include wooden flutes and stringed instruments, such as guitar.
Choro was the first official form of Brazilian popular urban music. The word Choro translates to cry or weep. Despite this, Choro music tends to be upbeat and happy. The music itself tends to be very intricate and professional level, with many extended techniques sprinkled throughout pieces.
“I love Choro music because it is so challenging and gives so much freedom of expression,” Corina says.
