Heitor Villa-Lobos

Villa-Lobos, Heitor (1887–1959), Brazilian composer, conductor, and teacher, known for his research on and use of folk music. He composed over 2,000 works, many of which combine indigenous melodies with the counterpointing of Johann Sebastian Bach. His compositions include 9 instrumental suites called the Bachanias Brasileiras (1930–45), 14 Serestas (1925–41) for voice and piano, 12 symphonies, and 16 string quartets. Villa-Lobos founded the Brazilian Academy of Music (1945).