rio de janeiro has been the catalyst and muse to the creation of a wide array of beautiful music, so it is no wonder that the people of the city are infatuated with it - some of the most classic and beloved brazilian musical genres have their roots in rio.

samba was first formed in the favelas in the early 20th century, developing gradually to become the focal point of the big, festive street parties known as carnival - there is also 'chorrinho', a charming and sweet genre of music played on a string-instrument related to the guitar which first took shape in the buzzing bars of the city.

perhaps the most internationally known brazilian music is 'bossa nova', which is a fusion of samba and jazz - it was shaped by a select group of carioca talent in the 1950s, including joao gilberto, tom jobim, and vinicius de moraes.