This article is about a song I heard via Pandora radio, called Pacoca, by Celso Machado.
The original piece was written for flute and guitar and it is a song with such character and personality, that made me wonder how would this sound if played with a mandolin? I knew the answer before I even asked the question. It would sound fantastic, as almost all pieces that are written for the flute when performed with mandolin.
This is the second article in the How-to-Play-Pacoca Article Series that I have created, to log my journey from selecting a music piece till recording and releasing it, hoping that it will inspire mandolinists to do it as well!
The first article was the Introductory article to the How-to-Play-Pacoca Article Series.
This second article is about the first phase of the journey:
Phase 1: Preparation
Preparation Step #1: Finding the Music Sheet of Pacoca
I believe that composers deserve to be paid for their compositions, so they are able to keep doing what they do best, give joy to all of us. Therefore, although I was tempted to start looking around for a free Music Score or a tab of Pacoca, I decided I should do it right and go buy it.
My research lead me to an online music sheet shop, where I found the Music Sheet of Pacoca, included in a booklet with a nice front page.
The contents of the booklet where according to the shop the following:
I decided to buy it (price was 14,95 USD or 11,23 Euros) and I was very happy with my decision.
The book arrived in just three days, in perfect condition and packaging. It contained Pacoca that I was looking for, as well as other nice duets I will be trying later on.
Below is a link if you decide to purchase it too.
| Musiques Populaires Bresiliennes By Celso Machado (1953-). For flute and guitar. Classical. Grade 3. Score. 14 pages. Published by Editions Henry Lemoine (LM.24893)…more info |
Preparation Step #2: Researching the composer (Celso Machado)
My research revealed that Celso Machado is a virtuoso Brazilian guitarist, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist and composer. Drawing on his thorough study of classical guitar, Celso composes for guitar and ensemble. His compositions are infused with the traditional music of Brazil: samba, chôro, baião, frêvo etc.
His compositions are published by Editions Henry Lemoine in Paris and are performed and recorded by both students and professionals around the World, from solo performances to guitar orchestras. Many of his scores have been adapted for other instruments: piano, violin, cello, clarinet, pan pipes, harp etc
For more see: Link to Celso Machado site
Paçoca (Portuguese:[pɐˈsɔkɐ]), the name of the song, is actually the name of two different Brazilian dishes:
The name “paçoca” comes from the Tupi word “posok” (pronounced /pɔsɔk/) which means “to crumble” or “to shatter”.
Source: Wikipedia
Preparation Step #3: Getting a feel of the rhythm and tune
The best way to start the learning procedure is to try to play the tune while listening to it (by ear). So here is my recording for you to try:
Pacoca, arranged for mandolin and guitar and performed by Chris!
But remember, you have first to tune the mandolin, otherwise playing along other performances will sound …disturbing! You can find information on how to tune your mandolin in the following articles here at theMandolinTuner:
I have found that when playing along youtube videos, it is a good idea to use a desktop music stand such as the one on the eft. This is because I am sitting on my desk to use my computer and at the same time playing my mandolin. So, having a desktop music stand makes my life easier!
Next steps
In the following articles, I will step you through the first two pentagrams of Pacoca, to help you understand how to play it. To make it easier, I will add a recording of the guitar part so you can play along, but also the mandolin part. I will also analyze the chords, to reveal the structure of the song and what makes it so nice.
So prepare for that and if you feel like you want to follow, I suggest you order to music score to have it ready, but only if you think it is a good idea, I do not want you to spend your money on something that is not useful for you. Once you have the score, here is a list of all articles for Pacoca for easy access:
Do you like Pacoca? Use the comments below to let me know!
Cheers,
Chris
Hi,
I very much like your version of Pacoca. I belong to a mandolin orchestra in Victoria, BC and we play this song, but with a slightly different rhythm, and we play it faster. I like this slower, more relaxed version.
-Linda
Hi Linda,
great to read that you like my version of Pacoca and that you are a member of a mandolin orchestra.
I am creating a database of mandolin orchestras here in theMandolinTuner, so if you would like to include in the database the mandolin orchestra you belong to, please send me a link to the orchestra’s web site/facebook, youtube performances (your version of Pacoca would be great!) etc., and I would be glad to add it in the database.
-Chris
I took the music from the book mentioned and tabbed it out in Tabledit for Mandolin if anyone wants it. What I’d love is a straight ahead chord chart though for playing the back up if anyone has that done…