Scoreload

Brazilian composer, instrumentalist, and conductor, renowned for creating one of the most famous Brazilian instrumental pieces, 'Tico-Tico no Fubá'. Born in Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, São Paulo, Abreu showed musical talent early, mastering piano, flute, clarinet, and saxophone. He worked as a conductor for bands and orchestras, primarily in cinemas and theaters. Despite prolific output, including waltzes, tangos, and choros, his fame rests largely on 'Tico-Tico no Fubá' (1917), which achieved global recognition years after his death.

• Abreu came from a modest background. His father, a coffee plantation administrator, initially disapproved of his musical ambitions, forcing him to study pharmacy briefly. He returned passionately to music.
• His most famous piece, 'Tico-Tico no Fubá', was originally titled 'Tico-Tico no Farelo' (Sparrow in the Bran). The name changed to 'Fubá' (cornmeal) when lyrics were added by Eurico Barreiros. The song depicts sparrows stealing cornmeal from a chicken coop.
• Despite composing over 100 works, Abreu died relatively young (aged 54) and in poverty. His financial struggles were common for musicians of his era in Brazil. The immense global success of 'Tico-Tico' only materialized after his death, notably through Carmen Miranda's 1943 recording for the film 'Copacabana'.
• The cause of his death was complications from a lung infection (pulmonary abscess).