Musical transmission between flutists of the 19th and early 20th centuries: research in Rio de Janeiro newspapers

Abstract

This article deals with the musical transmission and performance of flutists in the 19th and early 20th centuries, through research carried out in Rio de Janeiro newspapers, through the search in the Digital Library of the National Library. Alexandre Gonçalves Pinto's book, O choro (2014), complements the information found in the journals. The research aimed to map the teaching activity of flutists in Rio de Janeiro through advertisements published by flute teachers, as well as to identify other environments in which these instrumentalists operate. The search for flute methods for sale in newspapers was also carried out. The results showed extensive performance by private flute teachers, the predominance of French music methods and a diverse professional activity by these instrumentalists, including participation in orchestras, dances and in different areas not related to music. The arrival of the metallic flute of the Boehm system in Brazil had its origin explained in this search in the newspapers, being attributed to Achilles Malavasi. Finally, a lineage of flute teachers who worked in choro and its forming genres was drawn, which includes Joaquim Callado, Duque Estrada Meyer, Viriato Figueira, Frederico de Barros and Pedro de Assis.