Heitor Villa-Lobos

Heitor Villa-Lobos (March 5, 1887 – November 17, 1959) was a Brazilian composer, conductor, cellist, and classical guitarist described as 'the single most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian art music'. A prolific composer, he wrote numerous orchestral, chamber, instrumental and vocal works. His music was influenced by Brazilian folk music and European classical tradition. He explored Brazil's interior, absorbing native musical culture, and his compositions reflect improvisations on the classical guitar from this period. Villa-Lobos is known for works such as Bachianas Brasileiras and Chôros. He also worked with local street-music bands and was influenced by the cinema.