Pernambuco, João

(1883-1947)
Brazil composer

Born in the Sertão region of Pernambuco, João Pernambuco's real name was João Guimarães. He arrived in Rio de Janeiro at age twenty. He used to play the music and tell stories from Sertão area and for that reason was nicknamed Pernambuco by his friends and admirers. He was greatly admired by Villa-Lobos and by Agustín Barrios, the great Paraguayan guitarist and composer. By age twenty-five Pernambuco was considered one of the "bambas" of choro: one of the best.

Sons de Carilhôes (Sound of Bells) is a Chôro that guitarists know and play throughout the world.
The graúna is a black bird found in Brazil that sings a powerful and melodic song and has a remarkably silky and bright plumage.