Choros for Cellos

Explore a cello-perfect repertoire from Brazil

Online from June 1st - August 31st, 2024

Eugene Friesen has been practicing and performing choro for over 25 years.

This beloved Brazilian repertoire is traditionally played in small ensembles featuring 7-string guitar, bandolim (Brazilian mandolin), pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine), flute, and sometimes violin and other instruments.

The chord progressions are beautifully intuitive, and the style is not dissimilar to the approach we bring to Bach or other classics. That means that coming up with our own melodies and countermelodies, or improvising over the chords, is not a huge leap into jazz language, but rather a personal take on the form - like the way it’s played in Brazil.

Learn 13 essential choros

Cello is not a common member of a traditional choro rode (circle), but this repertoire is PERFECT for us, we can play bass, melodies, beautiful inner lines, create our own melodies and solos, and contribute to the bubbling, infectious rhythmic drive of these gorgeous pieces. 

The course will dig into a baker’s dozen of the most loved choros by a range of important Brazilian composers including Jacob do Bandolim, Pixinguinha, Waldyr Azevedo, and Villa Lobos.

Eugene will share his personal editions, complete with bowings and fingerings that convey the inflection, nuance, and spirit of choro. He will also reveal his personal pizzicato comping style, “choro pizz” – patterns that make cello a one-stop accompanist covering bass, harmony, and groove.

Over 10 hours with Eugene Friesen

  • Dig into a baker’s dozen of the most loved choros by a range of important Brazilian composers including Jacob do Bandolim, Pixinguinha, Waldyr Azevedo, and Villa Lobos.

  • Create your own melodies and countermelodies by improvising over the chords.

  • PDFs and play-alongs, plus all course recordings

Bring a sweet dessert
to your audiences.

People love this music. It is, after all, folk music. One of the most touching moments in a Brazilian concert is hearing an entire audience spontaneously sing along with these amazing tunes, an outpouring of group identity and belonging that is unforgettable. But even for audiences unfamiliar with these pieces, there is a contagious joy and nostalgia (summed up in the Brazilian concept of saudade) that is a delicious treat in any program. 

Testimonials

“What you have presented is so flexible and deep; ways to think about problems, rather than just stuff to do." 

— Ben Wyatt/Blacksburg, Virginia

“We are a global world and your class really reflected that essence. I'm looking forward to breathing in this work and seeing you again in the near future."

— Elizabeth Byrd, Cellist & Composer/Portland, Oregon

"The course is absolutely perfect. Everything is incredibly clear and progressive, making perfect sense to someone coming from within the classical “box."  Your presentation comes from a place of kindness and inclusivity, and provides a truly safe space to explore new ideas and techniques.  I am extremely grateful for all that this has offered me."

— Alison Wells, Cellist/Lecturer, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

 FAQs

  • All sessions are offered on Saturdays at 10am EST.

    JUNE 1st & 15th

    JULY 6th & 20th

    AUGUST 3rd, 17th, 31st

  • Applications are submitted on a rolling basis. Once you are accepted, you will receive a notice from hello@beyondmastery with a link for Zoom and additional course details.

  • All sessions will be recorded and distributed to participants within 24 hours of class time.

  • No. This course is priced at three levels to accommodate experience.

Let Your Cello Sing with Choros

This course is priced accordingly to support musicians at different levels. Please select the tier that connects to your current experience.