Frevo is an explosive and energetic rhythm that originates from the Northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco, specifically the city of Recife. It emerged at the end of the 19th century and is closely associated with the Brazilian Carnival. The word “frevo” is derived from “fervor” and aptly translates to “boil” in Portuguese, indicative of the dance’s vibrant and dynamic nature.

The frevo’s rapid tempo and upbeat rhythm are driven by brass instruments, primarily the trumpet, trombone, and tuba, along with a tight percussion section that includes the surdo, a large bass drum, and smaller snare drums known as caixas. Piccolos and clarinets add to the higher melodic lines, creating a feverish and festive sound that is hard to resist.

The dance style associated with frevo is equally acrobatic and fast-paced, featuring high kicks, quick turns, and intricate footwork. Dancers often carry a small, colorful umbrella which they use as a prop to accentuate their moves and maintain balance during the acrobatic feats.

Frevo is said to have its origins in the military bands and processions of Recife, where the mixing of European, African, and indigenous influences gave birth to this unique genre. It is believed to have been influenced by the maxixe, a dance that was popular in the late 19th century, as well as capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.

For an immersive experience of frevo, one can listen to iconic songs like “Vassourinhas” by Matias da Rocha and Joana Batista Ramos, or “Frevo de Rua” by Antônio Nunes. Artists such as Spok and his big band Orquestra Frevo do Mundo have been modern ambassadors of the genre, bringing the electrifying spirit of frevo to the world stage.

Frevo continues to be an integral part of Pernambuco’s cultural identity and is celebrated during Carnival with competitions that bring together numerous frevo orchestras and dancers, each showcasing their elaborate choreography and musical prowess.

In conclusion, frevo stands as a testament to Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry, a rhythm that encapsulates the joy, resilience, and creativity of its people. It is a heritage rhythm that invites everyone to partake in its celebration, making it a beloved treasure not only in Brazil but among enthusiasts of Latin music and dance worldwide.

Frevo is characterized by its fast, energetic rhythm, which is both complex and lively. It has been said to resemble the offshoots of European march music mixed with Brazilian capoeira moves. A typical frevo rhythm pattern might be played on a drum set or a range of percussion instruments including the surdo, snare drum, and trombones for melodic support.

It’s typically played by brass instruments, accompanied by percussion. Here’s an example of how one might represent the percussive rhythm of Frevo

Surdo (Bass Drum): Provides the foundational heartbeat and might play a simple pattern such as:

Caixa (Snare Drum): Plays a syncopated rhythm that interacts with the Surdo, often including rolls and accents:

The ‘s’ represents a ghost note or softer stroke, while the ‘S’ represents an accented note or a louder stroke.

Frevo Bass Drum Pattern:

B indicates a bass drum hit

Agogo Bell: Outlines the rhythm with its distinctive pitch difference, it may follow a pattern such as:

This pattern is to be played in a loop where each ‘H’ stands for the high-pitched tone of the Agogô bell, and each ‘L’ stands for the low-pitched tone. The dashes represent the silent counts. The Agogô bell, with its two differently pitched bells, is perfect for this kind of rhythmic pattern, providing a sharp contrast between the high and low sounds which is a characteristic feature in Frevo music.

Trombones: In a Frevo ensemble, trombones play short staccato bursts that add to the syncopation and rhythmic drive. They often emphasize off-beat accents to increase the energy level.

Musicians and dancers alike follow these intricate patterns, creating a spirited and intense performance that is synonymous with the Carnival in Pernambuco. 

It’s worth noting that frevo music and dance are intrinsically linked, with dancers often using colorful umbrellas as props and balancing tools while performing athletic, capoeira-like moves.