“Chora Viola”
The Berimbau is the main musical instrument of Capoeira. It is the Berimbau that dictates the cadence of the game. In a Capoeira orchestra, we say “Viola” when we are referring to the Berimbau with the smaller gourd. It is the Viola that makes all the rich rhythmic variations and improvisations, giving a special flavor to the music of Capoeira; like a solo guitar in a Rock and Roll band. We say “chora viola!” (Cry Viola!) to encourage the viola player to make soulful variations and improvisations.