Paulo Vanzolini
Encyclopedia
Paulo Emilio Vanzolini (ˈpawlu eˈmiliu vɐ̃zoˈlini; April 25, 1923) is a Brazilian scientist and music composer. He is best known by his samba
compositions, including the famous 'Ronda' and 'Boca da Noite', and for his scientific works in herpetology
. He is considered one of the greatest samba composers from São Paulo. Although retired as a scientist, he still conducts research at the University of São Paulo
(USP).
. When he was four years old, his family moved to Rio de Janeiro
where he lived for two years. In 1930, he came back to São Paulo where he studied all his life. In 1942, Vanzolini started studying medicine. At this period, he used to go out with friends whole nights and along these nights he composed his first songs.
In 1944, he worked at Rádio América, with his cousin. However, as Vanzolini was drafted into the army, he had to stop his work and studies. Two years later, he restarted the medicine course and became a school teacher and a researcher for Museu de Zoologia, of University of São Paulo. In 1947, he graduated in medicine. One year later, he married and went to USA where he received his PhD in zoology at Harvard University
.
Between 1963 and 1993, Vanzolini served as director of Museu de Zoologia, becoming a famous zoologist. He was responsible for assembling one of the largest collections of reptiles and a large library about these kind of animals. Although retired since 1993, the zoologist and musician still has a research affiliation with the Museu de Zoologia of University of São Paulo.
For years, despite the success of his songs, Vanzolini never recorded an album. Only in 1967, his friends Luís Carlos Paraná and Marcus Pereira, produced an album containing Vanzolini's songs. It was named Onze sambas e uma capoeira
and it counts on the participation of famous artists, like Toquinho
and Chico Buarque
.
In 1969, he composed with Toquinho. The results of this partnership were released in that same year in the album Boca da Noite, by Toquinho. It worths to note tha Toquinho was the only Vanzolini's partner along his musician and composer career.
In 1981, Vanzolini recorded Por ele mesmo. This is the one and only LP played by himself. Excluded this album, the only way to listen him singing was at Boate Jogral where he used to play.
In 2003, Vanzolini was honored with the release of the album Acerto de contas. It is a collection of his songs played by the most famous artists of Brazil.
Samba
Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in Bahia and with its roots in Brazil and Africa via the West African slave trade and African religious traditions. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival...
compositions, including the famous 'Ronda' and 'Boca da Noite', and for his scientific works in herpetology
Herpetology
Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles...
. He is considered one of the greatest samba composers from São Paulo. Although retired as a scientist, he still conducts research at the University of São Paulo
University of São Paulo
Universidade de São Paulo is a public university in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. It is the largest Brazilian university and one of the country's most prestigious...
(USP).
Personal life and academic career
Paulo Vanzolini was born in São PauloSão Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
. When he was four years old, his family moved to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
where he lived for two years. In 1930, he came back to São Paulo where he studied all his life. In 1942, Vanzolini started studying medicine. At this period, he used to go out with friends whole nights and along these nights he composed his first songs.
In 1944, he worked at Rádio América, with his cousin. However, as Vanzolini was drafted into the army, he had to stop his work and studies. Two years later, he restarted the medicine course and became a school teacher and a researcher for Museu de Zoologia, of University of São Paulo. In 1947, he graduated in medicine. One year later, he married and went to USA where he received his PhD in zoology at Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
.
Between 1963 and 1993, Vanzolini served as director of Museu de Zoologia, becoming a famous zoologist. He was responsible for assembling one of the largest collections of reptiles and a large library about these kind of animals. Although retired since 1993, the zoologist and musician still has a research affiliation with the Museu de Zoologia of University of São Paulo.
Music career
Paulo Vanzolini composed his first sambas during the years he studied medicine. However, his greatest hits were composed in 1950's. In 1951, after obtaining his PhD and returning to Brazil, he composed 'Ronda' and, in 1959, he composed 'Volta por cima'. These songs were recorded by many Brazilian artists.For years, despite the success of his songs, Vanzolini never recorded an album. Only in 1967, his friends Luís Carlos Paraná and Marcus Pereira, produced an album containing Vanzolini's songs. It was named Onze sambas e uma capoeira
Onze sambas e uma capoeira
Onze sambas e uma capoeira is the first album by the samba composer Paulo Vanzolini. Released in 1967, it contains some successes of the composer, like 'Ronda' and 'Volta por cima', already recorded before by other artists...
and it counts on the participation of famous artists, like Toquinho
Toquinho
Antônio Pecci Filho , better known as Toquinho , is a Brazilian singer and guitarist. He is well-known for his collaborations, as composer and performer, with Vinicius de Moraes.-Childhood and musical studies:...
and Chico Buarque
Chico Buarque
Francisco Buarque de Hollanda , popularly known as Chico Buarque , is a singer, guitarist, composer, dramatist, writer and poet...
.
In 1969, he composed with Toquinho. The results of this partnership were released in that same year in the album Boca da Noite, by Toquinho. It worths to note tha Toquinho was the only Vanzolini's partner along his musician and composer career.
In 1981, Vanzolini recorded Por ele mesmo. This is the one and only LP played by himself. Excluded this album, the only way to listen him singing was at Boate Jogral where he used to play.
In 2003, Vanzolini was honored with the release of the album Acerto de contas. It is a collection of his songs played by the most famous artists of Brazil.
Discography
- 1967: Onze sambas e uma capoeiraOnze sambas e uma capoeiraOnze sambas e uma capoeira is the first album by the samba composer Paulo Vanzolini. Released in 1967, it contains some successes of the composer, like 'Ronda' and 'Volta por cima', already recorded before by other artists...
(recorded by various artists) - 1974: A música de Paulo Vanzolini
- 1981: Por ele mesmo
- 2003: Acerto de contas