Violin and fiddle in 19th-century Ceará: terminology, practice and iconography

Abstract

The article problematizes the opposition between “rabeca” and “violin”, focusing on 19th century Ceará. The research is based on the study of documentary sources, travelers’ accounts, printed newspapers, methods, musical treatises (artinhas) and iconographic records, especially the watercolor Samba by José dos Reis Carvalho — produced during the Scientific Commission for the Exploration of the Northern Provinces, between 1859 and 1861. The results show that, in Brazil in colonial times and in the 19th century, the terms “rabeca” and “violin” were used interchangeably, regardless of social class, intellectual background (lay people or professionals), urban or rural environments, solfas (papers with musical notation) or other documents. These sources demonstrate the variety of techniques for interpreting/playing the instrument, questioning dichotomies between popular and erudite, regional and cosmopolitan, or even between orality and writing. By integrating terminological criticism, as well as documentary and iconographic studies, the article seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of popular musical practices, demystifying.