ZEQUINHA DE ABREU ( ARR . HERSH ) “ Tico-Tico No Fubá ”
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Born 1880 in São Paulo , Brazil ; died 1935 in São Paulo , Brazil
• Abreu started his musical career early by playing tunes on a harmonica . In 1894 , he joined the Episcopal Seminary to study to become a priest at his mother ’ s request but later left , determined to pursue a career in music .
• Upon returning to his hometown , Abreu formed an orchestra and continued to compose , writing over 100 pieces by 1915 .
• Abreu is remembered as one of the most prominent Brazilian composers of the Belle Époque , contributing greatly to the choro genre of Brazilian popular music .
FUN FACT
Abreu also had a stint as a politician , serving as the mayor of his hometown .
THE WORLD AT A GLANCE
1917
MUSIC Scott Joplin passes away
ART Joan Miró ’ s The Village
ABOUT THE PIECE
• In 1917 , Abreu performed a new , still unnamed work at a ball with his orchestra . The catchy , fast-paced song was a huge hit with the guests .
• Abreu commented that the dancing guests were like “ tico ticos ” ( a type of bird ), which lent the name to the piece . It is the composer ’ s most famous work , has been performed by Carmen Miranda , and was included in the Disney movie Saludos Amigos .
LITERATURE The first Pulitzer Prizes are awarded
HISTORY Puerto Ricans are granted U . S . citizenship under the Jones-Shafroth Act
8 BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA