5th
From the Saxame website, this letter to Villa’s ex, and the reply here, about the music of Villa’s youth.
Here’s the good part of Arminda’s letter:
“In his youth, Villa Lobos was part of a group of popular musicians - CHOROES - and at that moment - he played the guitar, the clarinet and the saxophone as well. The idea behind his participation in this group was so that he could better understand the psychology of those people, and afterwards create his own original music within the atmosphere of his country. With that and his patriotism, most importantly his understanding of the grandioseness of its beautiful savage nature, he succeeded in composing his own music with a Brazilian timbre. Those who know his music and Brazil will remark that his country is always present in his music. I am certain that if Villa Lobos hadn’t passed away he would be happy to write for the saxophone.”