Viola de Cocho Musical Instrument Facts

Viola de Cocho Instrument Summary

The Viola de Cocho is a traditional Brazilian string instrument primarily associated with the Mato Grosso and Goiás regions of Brazil.

It is known for its distinctive pear-shaped body carved from a single piece of wood and its use in traditional folk music, particularly in the pantaneiro and siriri music styles.

The instrument has a rich, resonant sound, and is often handcrafted, making each Viola de Cocho unique. It plays a key role in the music of rural Brazil, often accompanying dance and song in community festivals.

Detailed Instrument Description

Instrument Name	Viola de Cocho
Instrument Family	String
Alternative Names	The Viola de Cocho is also simply referred to as “Viola” in some rural regions of Brazil. It is distinguished from other violas, such as the Viola Caipira, by its construction and the music it is associated with.
Geographical Presence	The Viola de Cocho is primarily played in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso, Goiás, and parts of the Pantanal region. It is often featured in rural and traditional music festivals, and it is an essential part of the musical heritage of these areas.
Instrument Classification	The Viola de Cocho falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.322, identifying it as a plucked lute chordophone. This classification applies to string instruments where sound is produced by plucking the strings.
Unique Features	The instrument is characterized by its body, which is carved from a single piece of wood, often using native Brazilian woods such as cedar or mahogany. The body is pear-shaped and hollow, which helps to create its resonant, warm sound. It typically has five pairs of strings (ten strings in total), with each pair tuned in unison or octaves. The handcrafted nature of the instrument means that no two Violas de Cocho are exactly alike, and many are intricately decorated with carvings and paint.
Sound Characteristics	The Viola de Cocho produces a rich, deep sound with a warm resonance. The paired strings create a fuller tone compared to single-string instruments. Its sound is often described as earthy and vibrant, making it well-suited for traditional Brazilian music. It excels in producing both rhythmic accompaniments and melodic lines.
Typical Music Genres	The Viola de Cocho is used primarily in traditional folk music genres from the Pantanal and Cerrado regions of Brazil, including siriri, cururu, and chamamé. It is also used in pantaneiro music, a genre specific to the Pantanal region that often accompanies traditional dances and celebrations.
Components	Body, Neck, Fingerboard, Strings, Tuning Pegs, Bridge
Construction	The Viola de Cocho is traditionally made by hollowing out a single piece of wood to form the body, which is then covered with a wooden soundboard. The neck is attached to the body and features a fretless or partially fretted fingerboard. The instrument typically has ten strings arranged in five pairs, with each pair tuned either in unison or in octaves. The tuning pegs are used to adjust the pitch of the strings, and the bridge helps transmit the vibration of the strings to the body.
Size and Weight	The Viola de Cocho typically measures between 70 and 80 centimeters (27.5 to 31.5 inches) in length. The weight of the instrument is relatively light, ranging between 0.5 to 1 kilogram (1.1 to 2.2 pounds), depending on the type of wood used in its construction.
Variations and Customizations	Variations of the Viola de Cocho can include differences in the number of strings, body shape, and decoration. Some instruments may have only eight strings, arranged in four pairs. The level of craftsmanship and the quality of materials used can also vary, with some Violas de Cocho being elaborately decorated with carvings or paint, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region where they were made. Modern versions may incorporate pickups for amplification in performances.
Instrument History	The Viola de Cocho has its roots in the rural areas of Brazil, where it has been played for centuries as part of the musical traditions of the Pantanal and Cerrado regions. It is thought to have evolved from the Portuguese violas brought to Brazil during colonization, adapted to the local culture and environment. The instrument has become a symbol of rural life in Mato Grosso and Goiás, where it is often used in folk songs, dance music, and religious celebrations. The tradition of crafting the Viola de Cocho by hand continues to be passed down through generations, preserving its cultural significance.
Similar Types of Instrument	Viola Caipira, Portuguese Viola, Classical Guitar
Playing Technique	The Viola de Cocho is played by plucking or strumming the strings, either with the fingers or with a plectrum. The paired strings are often strummed together to create a fuller, richer sound. Musicians use a variety of techniques to produce rhythmic accompaniments, as well as melodic lines. The instrument’s tuning allows for a wide range of harmonic possibilities, and it is often played in a rhythmic, percussive style to accompany traditional Brazilian dances. Fingerpicking techniques may also be used for solo performances.
Learning Difficulty	Moderate; while the basic mechanics of playing the Viola de Cocho are similar to those of other string instruments, mastering the paired string technique and the specific rhythms and styles of traditional Brazilian music requires practice. Players familiar with the guitar or other violas may find it easier to learn.
Notable Composers	As a traditional folk instrument, the Viola de Cocho is primarily associated with rural musicians and folk traditions rather than individual composers. However, modern Brazilian musicians like Almir Sater and Chico Lobo have popularized the instrument in contemporary Brazilian folk music.
Famous Works	Traditional pieces such as “Cururu do Pantanal” and “Siriri de Mato Grosso” are well-known works in which the Viola de Cocho plays a central role. These pieces are often performed at local festivals and celebrations, showcasing the instrument’s versatility in folk music.
Notable Performances	The Viola de Cocho is frequently featured in performances at traditional festivals in Mato Grosso and Goiás, such as the Festival de Siriri e Cururu in Cuiabá. The instrument is also played during celebrations of São João and other regional religious events. Modern musicians like Almir Sater have incorporated the instrument into broader Brazilian music performances, bringing its sound to a wider audience.
Famous Orchestras/Bands	While the Viola de Cocho is most commonly played in solo performances or small folk ensembles, it has also been featured in modern Brazilian music groups and bands that incorporate traditional instruments into contemporary arrangements. Musicians like Almir Sater and Ivan Vilela have used the instrument in recordings and live performances.
Maintenance	Regular maintenance includes cleaning the strings and fingerboard, tuning the instrument, and occasionally replacing the strings. Wooden instruments should be stored in a controlled environment to prevent warping or cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity. The Viola de Cocho should be stored in a protective case when not in use, especially if it is a handcrafted instrument.
Price Range	Violas de Cocho range from $150 to $1,500, depending on the craftsmanship, materials, and level of decoration.