The world of Villa-Lobos in pictures and documents

About this book

This unique book presents a wealth of source material for those interested in the Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos's music and his country. Autograph letters in facsimile, newspaper and periodical articles and original programmes are reproduced to chart the development of Brazilian culture from the earliest times up to the death of the composer in 1959. Photographs and descriptions recall both the old theatres, long since demolished, where Villa-Lobos's music was originally performed, and the numerous national institutions that played such an important part in the composer's life. The book also reproduces some of the instruments, tunes and legends which Villa-Lobos studied in his attempt to create a truly Brazilian style of composition. These, together with surveys of his contemporaries in music, literature and history and his publishers, friends and family, provide a complete picture of the composer's world.