Product Description
A Frôrada, composed by Luiz Levy (also known as Luiz Levy Júnior), is a delightful and refined example of late 19th- to early 20th-century Brazilian salon music, falling within the stylistic traditions of choro, polka, and modinha. Though not as widely recognized as composers like Chiquinha Gonzaga or Ernesto Nazareth, Luiz Levy was a highly talented pianist-composer known for his elegant touch and lyrical inventiveness.
Overview of A Frôrada
The title A Frôrada (an old-fashioned or stylized form of aflorada, suggesting blossoming or decorated with flowers) evokes a romantic and delicate character. The piece likely draws from polka or choro traditions, common in the Brazilian salon and popular music of the time.
1. Genre & Style
Genre: Likely a choro-polca or stylized salon piece.
Style: Combines European dance form (like polka) with Brazilian syncopation, melodic expressiveness, and a lyrical core.
2. Melody
The melody is graceful and ornamented, featuring chromatic passing tones, arpeggios, and melodic decorations that recall modinha and romantic piano miniatures.
Often moves in balanced phrases (4+4 or 8-bar periods), with a natural flow and expressive elegance.
Levys melodic line often mimics vocal phrasing, suggesting a singing quality.
3. Harmony
Rooted in romantic tonal harmony, using diatonic progressions enriched with secondary dominants, modulations, and expressive dissonances.
Occasional unexpected harmonic turns give charm and sophistication similar to Nazareths harmonic inventiveness.
4. Rhythm
Written in duple meter (often 2/4 or 6/8), with a rhythmic feel similar to Brazilian polka or early choro.
Contains syncopations, anticipations, and rubato-friendly phrasing, giving a playful and fluid character.
The rhythm blends European structure with Afro-Brazilian swing, making it ideal for both listening and light dancing.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.