Biography
Composer César Costa Filho scored early hits with the compositions “Dose pra Leão,” “Tesoura Cega,” “Massa Falida,” and “Consumatum Est.” Numerous interpreters committed his work to disc, among them Maysa, Elis Regina, Claudette Soares, Eliana Pittman, Dóris Monteiro, and Elizeth Cardoso. He began crafting songs in 1966 alongside Ronaldo Monteiro de Souza; the pair’s initial efforts received television exposure on TV Tupi’s Rio de Janeiro program A Grande Chance. With Aldir Blanc, Ivan Lins, and Gonzaguinha, Costa Filho helped establish the Movimento Artístico Universitário (MAU). At the 1968 I Festival Universitário, Beth Carvalho presented their “Meu Tamborim,” which placed third. The following year the same contest awarded third place to “Mirante,” delivered by Maria Creuza, and fifth place to “De Esquina em Esquina,” sung by Clara Nunes—both pieces written with Aldir Blanc. Also in 1969, “Visão Geral,” created with Ruy Maurity and Ronaldo Monteiro de Souza, earned third place at the IV Festival Internacional da Canção. During this period Costa Filho and fellow MAU members were invited to host TV Globo’s Som Livre Exportação. His debut LP, E Os Sambas Viverão, appeared in 1973 and featured the track “Anastácio: Samba-Enredo Para um Sambista Morto,” co-written with Walter Queirós. He supplied music for prominent telenovelas including O Cafona, Locomotivas, and Sonho Meu. Children’s songs of his were recorded by television personalities Xuxa, Angélica, and Mara. Costa Filho later served as president of the Brazilian Association of Composers (UBC).