Chiquinha Gonzaga

Chiquinha Gonzaga ( born October 17, 1847 in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, † February 28, 1935 ), actually Francisca Edwige Neves Gonzaga, one of the most important composers of choro in Brazil.

The pianist and composer paved the way for many women as professional musicians in Brazil. She has written over 300 compositions for a variety of musical formations.

Early in her career she was a member of the group of Joaquim Calado (1848-1880), gave piano lessons and played at dance events. She became famous in 1877, when their composition atraente was moved. She composed music in styles such as polka, fado, Brazilian Tango, Habanera, choro, Marcha, dobrado, Lundu, maxixe and Modinha. In addition, she co-founded the Sociedade Brasileira de Autores Teatrais ( SBAT ), which campaigns for the rights of authors and composers.