Throughout his life, Marçal suffered the hardships of poverty, in spite of the success of his compositions, many of them in partnership with Bide. A percussionist in radio since 1934, Marçal met Bide at Rádio Nacional, forming a famous duo with him. Their first song was the samba Agora é Cinza, which became a big success at the Carnival of 1934. Recorded in 1933 by Mário Reis, the song won the annual contest and had several re-recordings. A Primeira Vez (recorded by João Gilberto) is another of the duo's jewels. Another of their songs is the marcha junina Ninguém Fura o Balão, recorded in 1934 by Almirante. In the same year, Mário Reis recorded Nosso Romance. Carlos Galhardo recorded Sorrir in 1937. In 1938, Orlando Silva recorded Tua Beleza and Francisco Alves recorded Meu Primeiro Amor, two big hits. ~ Alvaro Neder, Rovi