In this paper I analyzed the use of the expression "música popularesca" over the musicological work of Mário de Andrade (1892 - 1945). Apparently, Mário de Andrade used it to describe a type of repertoire somewhere between folk music and classical music. After the consolidation of the urban popular music, Mário de Andrade used "música popularesca" to denominate this new kind of music, which was similar - but not identical - to folk music. This expression had no pejorative connotation, unlike the word "sub música" used by the same author to label works as "of easy applause". This approach is different from the traditional one that the musical historiography has over the expression "música popularesca" and, therefore, invites to debate some of the Mario de Andrade's musicological works.
"Música popularesca"; concept; Mário de Andrade