Frevo

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Frevo describes is a wide range of musical styles originating from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, all of which are traditionally associated with Brazilian Carnival. The word "frevo" is said to come frever, a working class dialectal way of pronouncing the Portuguese word ferver (to boil).

[edit] Frevo Dancing

Frevo dancers, called passistas, usually wear bright, shiny, multi-coloured costumes and carry small umbrellas. The dancing itself features very high jumps. The image of the passista is one of the most prominent icons of the carnaval of Pernambuco.

[edit] Frevo-de-Rua

Frevo-de-Rua, the most common meaning of the word "frevo", is an instrumental style, played in a fiery fast tempo with brass instruments, namely trumpets, trombones, saxophones and tuba. It is frequently perceived by American ears as resembling Polka.

Frevo-de-Rua bands can often be found playing during soccer matches in Recife, forming a sort of pep band. A well-known Frevo-de-Rua tune is called "Vassourinhas". A famous conductor in this style is Mestre Duda.

[edit] Frevo de Bloco

Frevo de Bloco is sung and string instruments. Capiba was the most famous composer in this style.