Antonio Pecci Filho, Our Toquinho
By Ivan Pacshoito
A cursory glance at Toquinho’s discography, of more than 50 titles, perhaps may not reflect what a little known LP recording reveals (“Brazilian Guitar” 1977-78 Part of the “Enciclopedia of Brazilian Music; Erudite, Folcloric and Popular”. Published by Art Editora).This recording, which is very rare and is coveted by collectors, shows that Toquinho is a master of his instrument and as Vinicius de Moraes has said, “He simply devours the guitar.” The composers Villa-Lobos, Pernambuco, Barrios, Garoto, and Laurindo Almeida emanate from the soundhole of his guitar with a masterful and uniquely Brazilian touch. Toquinho, had he embraced a concert career, could have become world famous as a concert guitarist. He would be playing composers such as Ponce, Sor, Tarrega, and Brouwer. Had Toquinho directed his career toward the concert stage, he would have ceased to be the Toquinho that we know today and would have become the Concertista, Antonio Pecci Filho. His exceptional technique could have made this a reality.
However, his love of Brazilian music propelled him in another direction. Instead, he embraced the Brazilian popular music culture and its composers and has, indeed, become a world renowned guitarist and composer. Toquinho’s choice was to utilize bis ability and immense talent to serve Brazil and further expand the appreciation of Brazilian music. In more that 30 years of writing music, alone or with the collaboration of such composers and lyricists such as Jorge Benjor, Paulo Vanzolini, Chico Buarque and Vincius de Moraes (to mention a few), he has composed some of the most consistant and radically beautiful works of Brazilian popular mcrsic. Works that mark the style of the composer: Melodies that, although, not common-place, are nevertheless very uncomplicated and elegant His melodies are so carefully written that, upon hearing the piece, one perceives this is the one and only melody that can exist with the lyrics. Toquinho composes and arranges with the guitarist in mind. The notes normally lie under the fingers which requires the least amount of effort. Therefore, the music can be played effortlessly and with great pleasure. His music flows naturally and on the first hearing is extremely enchanting. Toquinho is also a skilled lyrics composer. For example, listen to his Acorde solto no ar, Aquarela or À sombra de um jatobá, among others.