Heitor Villa-Lobos

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) was one of the greatest Brazilian composers and propelled Brazilian music into the modern era. Born in Rio, Villa-Lobos was self-taught and made his early living entertaining in barrios. In the 1920s, he moved to Paris and established his name with the rugged exoticism of works like the ballet Uirapurú. Villa-Lobos returned to Brazil to become an educator and cultural fixture. Villa-Lobos was prolific, producing 10 symphonies, 17 string quartets and many works in specialized forms such as the Chôros; his Bachianas Brasileiras Nos. 2 and 5 and many works for guitar remain among his most celebrated works. ~ Uncle Dave Lewis , All Music Guide