Prelude from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 - Heitor Villa-Lobos

Harp Type: Pedal              Harp Standard: Intermediate to Advanced

“I have chosen this piece by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos for its sheer beauty in sound and deep emotional content.  Villa-Lobos composed a total of nine suites called Bachianas Brasileiras for various instrumental combinations, including orchestra and voice.   Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4  was originally composed for piano.  In the Bachianas, Villa-Lobos incorporates a rather free harmonic and counterpoint style of Bach in his own knowledge and style of Brazilian music, thus presenting homage to the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach.  The influence of Bach among Latin American composers has also been expressed in the music of Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla, who incorporates a harmonic and counterpoint style reminiscent of Bach in his own versions of tango music.  It is my hope that you will enjoy playing this deeply moving piece.” M. L. Rayan