Corta Jaca - String Quartet
String Quartet - Corta Jaca (Chiquinha Gonzaga)
History
"Corta-Jaca," composed by Chiquinha Gonzaga in 1895, is a lively and groundbreaking maxixe piece that blends African and European influences and is considered a precursor to samba. The song gained fame in 1914 when First Lady Nair de Tefé played it at the presidential palace, sparking controversy and bringing popular rhythms into elite spaces. "Corta-Jaca" symbolizes both the innovation of Brazilian music and Chiquinha Gonzaga's fight for the recognition of popular music and the inclusion of women in the musical world.
About the Arrangement
I composed this arrangement, like others I’ve created for the quartet, with the goal of highlighting the Choro Quartet format. In each section, one instrument takes on the role of another in the traditional Choro ensemble; for the bass line, this role is played by the cello. The violins and viola alternate in rhythmic phrases, echoing the guitar and pandeiro grooves. This keeps the swing ever-present and vibrant throughout the piece.
Shortly after the written viola improvisation, an interlude follows, in which I transition to the major key, transforming into a reference to Radamés Gnattali’s tribute to Chiquinha Gonzaga in the fourth movement of his piece Suite Retratos.
Finally, a slower and more sentimental passage unfolds, gradually speeding up until it returns to the final phrase, which is preferably played at a faster tempo than the initial one.
This is an arrangement I’m very proud of. It was the first I wrote for a quartet, and over time, it has been refined through the experience of its performances. It has been played by various ensembles in Brazil and Europe.
Final Considerations
This is an arrangement I’m very proud of. It was the first I wrote for a quartet, and over time, it has been refined through the experience of its performances. It has been played by many ensembles in Brazil and Europe. Feel free to experiment, Like with a pandeiro. Brazilian music is meant to be celebrated. <3
