Prelude No. 1 in E Minor is one of the most celebrated pieces by Heitor Villa-Lobos (Rio de Janeiro, 1887 – 1959), composed in 1940 as part of his Five Preludes for guitar. This work, dedicated “to the Brazilian people,” reflects the fusion of academic music with Brazil’s popular rhythms.

Structured in ternary form (ABA), the opening section features a cantabile melody over arpeggios, evoking the serenity of the modinha, a traditional Brazilian musical genre. The central section introduces a more pronounced rhythm with repeated chords, clearly referencing popular dance. The return to the opening theme closes the piece with a nostalgic, melancholic air.

This prelude is a cornerstone of the guitar repertoire, both for its melodic beauty and the expressive depth it demands, making it an excellent example of Villa-Lobos’ style and his deep affection for the guitar.