Heitor Villa-Lobos was one of the most influential and original composers of the 20th century. His music reflects his deep connection with the rich and diverse musical traditions of his native Brazil, as well as his openness to the modernist currents of Europe and America. In this blog post, we will explore some aspects of his life and work, and how he contributed to the development of classical music in Latin America and beyond.
Villa-Lobos was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1887, into a family of musicians. His father, Raul, was a librarian and an amateur cellist who taught him the basics of music. He also exposed him to various genres of music, such as opera, folk songs, and popular music. Villa-Lobos learned to play several instruments, including guitar, clarinet, piano, and cello. He also developed a passion for the music of Bach, which would influence his later compositions.