According to The New Penguin Dictionary of Music, Heitor Villa-Lobos was a Brazilian composer, the first South American composer to become world-famous; was also pianist and teacher. Prolific output, including operas, ballets, 12 symphonies, 16 string quartets, songs, etc. in varied styles but frequently with pronounced "national" flavour. Composed 14 works call "Chôros" for various combinations (some including Brazilian native instruments) explaining the title as synthesising "the different modalities of Brazilian, South American Indian and popular music, and having for principal elements rhythm and any typical melody of popular character". His "Bachianas Brasileiras" are supposed evocations of Johann Sebastian Bach in a Brazilian spirit. Wrote also "New York Skyline Melody" (on melodic shape suggested by skyline) for piano and orchestra; works for piano solo, for guitar, etc.