Introduction

The “Mazurka Choro” by the genial Brazilian composer Heitor Villa Lobos is an enchanting piece that forms part of the Suite Populaire Brésiliene. The suite is made up of 5 pieces written between 1906 & 1923. The Mazurka Choro is the first in the group and it is dedicated to Maria Tereza Teran. Maria was the wife of Villa Lobos’ good friend Tomas Teran – a Spanish pianist.

“Mazurka-Choro” by Heitor Villa-Lobos is a captivating piece that showcases the unique blend of Brazilian folk music and classical forms that the composer is renowned for. Originally composed for classical guitar, this piece is set at a lively tempo, typical of the mazurka dance, which is combined with the distinctive rhythmic elements of the Brazilian choro. The piece is primarily in the key of A minor, but it features numerous key changes and modulations that add to its dynamic character and complexity. Villa-Lobos uses these modulations to create contrasting sections, allowing the guitarist to explore a range of expressive possibilities.

The lively rhythms and intricate melodies demand both technical precision and emotional depth from the performer, making “Mazurka-Choro” a favourite among advanced guitarists. Some interesting points below are

• The piece spans 3 keys – A minor, C major, and A major.

• The form of the piece is – A B A C A D

• Every A section is in A minor and is repeated exactly each time it occurs

• The B section moves into a happier and more moved C major key.

• The C section is in A major and it moves towards a descending melodic motif in contrast to the ascending motif first expressed in the A section(s).

• The D section is a complete contrast to the previous sections moving into triplets and descending from a high F at the 13th fret to a low F on the 1st fret of the 6th string.

A nice musical practice is to vary the way that the A sections are played each time. Try a bit of rubato, ponticello and sul tasto, stacatto and legato phrasing to keep things interesting for you and the listener!

Musical Style

Heitor Villa-Lobos’ musical style is characterized by its fusion of Brazilian folk traditions with classical music elements, creating a distinctive and innovative sound. His compositions often feature rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and vibrant melodies that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of Brazil. Villa-Lobos was known for his adventurous approach to form and structure, often incorporating improvisational elements and unconventional techniques. His music ranges from evocative solo pieces to expansive orchestral works, each imbued with a unique sense of place and character. Villa-Lobos’ contributions to the classical guitar repertoire are particularly significant, with works that challenge and inspire guitarists worldwide.

Notable Pieces

Five notable pieces by Heitor Villa-Lobos:

• Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5

• Chôros No. 1

• Étude No. 1

• Prelude No. 1

• Suite Populaire Brésilienne

Let your fingers fly!

Josh

Course Instructor

Joshua Rogers Author

A teacher and lover of all things guitar!

Course Information

Difficulty: Intermediate

Categories: Classical Guitar Composers, Classical Guitar Music, Classical Guitar Pieces, Modern Classical Guitar Music, South Amercian Guitar Music

Tags: Brazilian classical guitar techniques, classical guitar full score with instructional videos, classical guitar sheet music and tabs, Heitor Villa-Lobos classical guitar lessons, learn Mazurka Choro on classical guitar, Mazurka Choro guitar course, Mazurka Choro guitar instructional videos, Villa-Lobos guitar transcription course

Course Instructor

Joshua Rogers Author

A teacher and lover of all things guitar!