The world of music mourns the loss of Hermeto Pascoal, the Brazilian maestro whose genius transcended genres and redefined the boundaries of sound. Known affectionately as "The Sorcerer" for his uncanny ability to coax melodies from the most unexpected sources—be it a live piglet, water-filled kettles, or even the hum of nature itself—Pascoal died on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the age of 89. His passing was confirmed by a heartfelt message shared on his official social media accounts, which stated that he “transitioned to the spiritual realm surrounded by family and fellow musicians.”

In true Pascoal fashion, the announcement added a poetic touch, noting that at the exact moment of his passing, his group was performing on stage—ensuring that the music he so deeply cherished never ceased. “If you wish to honor him,” the message continued, “let a single note ring—from an instrument, your voice, or a kettle—and offer it to the universe.”

A Life of Creativity and Innovation
Born on June 22, 1936, in Lagoa da Canoa, Alagoas, Brazil, Hermeto Pascoal grew up in humble surroundings. As an albino child, he was spared from working in the fields due to concerns about sun exposure, allowing him to immerse himself in music from an early age. By the time he was 10, Pascoal had already begun playing his father’s accordion, developing a profound connection with sound. He often crafted makeshift instruments from everyday objects, experimenting with melodies inspired by birdsong and other natural sounds.

Pascoal's career took off when his family moved to Recife, where he honed his skills as a musician before venturing to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In the 1960s, he co-founded groundbreaking groups like the Sambrasa Trio and Quarteto Novo, blending traditional Brazilian styles such as chorinho, baião, and frevo with jazz and avant-garde influences. His collaborations with luminaries like Elis Regina, Airto Moreira, and Flora Purim propelled him onto the international stage, culminating in his fateful meeting with Miles Davis.

Davis, one of jazz’s greatest icons, famously referred to Pascoal as “the most impressive musician in the world” after inviting him to contribute to his seminal album Live Evil (1970). Their partnership began with an unusual anecdote: during their first encounter, Davis invited Pascoal into his private boxing ring. According to Pascoal, he landed a punch that left Davis impressed—and perhaps slightly bruised.

The Art of Defying Labels
Throughout his life, Pascoal resisted categorizing his music as simply “jazz.” Instead, he described it as “universal music,” drawing inspiration from diverse traditions and rejecting conventional boundaries. His compositions were fluid, unpredictable, and deeply original, making them difficult to pigeonhole. This philosophy was evident in albums like Slaves Mass (1977), where he famously used the squeals of a piglet as part of a track’s introduction—a testament to his fearless experimentation.

Even in his later years, Pascoal remained a vibrant force in the music scene. Just months before his death, he delivered a memorable performance at Rio de Janeiro’s Circo Voador in June 2025, turning the concert into a joyous celebration of his upcoming 89th birthday. His energy and passion inspired younger generations of musicians, many of whom credit him with encouraging them to push creative limits.

Legacy and Tributes
News of Pascoal’s death reverberated across the globe, prompting tributes from artists, critics, and fans alike. Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso wrote on Instagram, “Hermeto Pascoal is one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.” Meanwhile, Margareth Meneses, Brazil’s Minister of Culture, praised him as “an eternal ‘Brujo’ who transformed Brazilian music into sonic alchemy.”

The cause of death was complications from advanced pulmonary fibrosis, according to a statement from Samaritano Barra Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Pascoal had been hospitalized since August 30, 2025, following a decline in health during a European tour. Despite receiving extensive medical care, his condition worsened in his final days.

A Poetic Farewell
In keeping with his lifelong ethos, Pascoal’s farewell message urged fans to find solace in the universal language of music. Accompanying the announcement of his death was a poem he penned, titled “Toquen, canten, mi querida gente” (“Play, sing, my dear people”). Its closing lines encapsulate his spirit:

"La música puede salvar el mundo / Mientras vivamos, es la mayor fuente del infinito / Con alegría y placer / Toquen, canten, mi querida gente / Hasta la primera campana del amanecer."

As the music world reflects on his extraordinary contributions, Hermeto Pascoal’s legacy endures through his timeless recordings, his influence on countless musicians, and the enduring magic of his “universal music.” Though the sorcerer may have played his final note, his symphony lives on.

Hermeto Pascoal, the legendary Brazilian musician known as "The Sorcerer," has passed away at 89. Revered for his ability to create music from unconventional instruments and his genre-defying compositions, Pascoal leaves an indelible mark on global music history.