In 1928, in Paris, Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos helped a businessman launch the first 78-RPM records of the electric phase in Brazil.
Handwritten letter from Heitor Villa-Lobos to a businessman friend.
In French.
One page, blue paper.
23.3 cm x 18.1 cm.
Paris, November 20, 1928.
Excellent condition of conservation.
Unique piece.
Original text in French, translated into Portuguese
I am pleased to introduce Mr. Porfiro Martins, owner-manager of a large musical instrument house in Rio de Janeiro. He wishes to launch the records of the French company Gramophone throughout Brazil.
Mr. Porfiro will be able to explain certain facts and arguments that will certainly interest you.
I ask you to welcome him and tell him, as if he were telling me, the path he must follow to succeed in his project.
Thank you in advance for everything you can do for Mr. Porfiro Martins.
Villa-Lobos
Porfirio Martins is considered one of the oldest musical instrument manufacturers in Brazil and the Compagnie française du gramophone was founded in 1899 (a subsidiary of the English Gramophone).
Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) is considered by both amateurs and experts to be the greatest Brazilian conductor and composer. In 1915, Villa-Lobos began working as an instrumentalist and, at the age of 19, wrote his first compositions. He traveled extensively around the world, especially in France and the United States, conducting his own compositions and gaining the admiration of audiences, including Debussy and Stravinsky. In Brazil, he conducted detailed research on Brazilian folklore, which served as inspiration for many of his compositions.
This letter, in excellent condition and with a large signature from the Brazilian composer, teaches us that Villa-Lobos was in tune with the new trends in the music market at the time.
