Heitor Villa-Lobos' nine Bachinas Brasileiras which combine the melodic and rhythmic characteristics of Brazilian music with the contrapuntal texture and expansive forms of Johann Sebastian Bach, were written for various combinations of instruments. Bachianas Brasileiras No.2 was arranged for chamber orchestra from pieces originally written for cello and piano and for solo piano. The work is a playful set of four miniature tone poems suggesting various aspects of the life in Villa-Lobos' country.

Bachianas Brasileiras No.4, rooted in the style of Bach, is guided by a steady procession of sonorous bass notes which support a touching melody based on a short, rising arpeggio pattern. The Bachianas Brasileiras No.8, firmly set in the Brazilian dance style, is energized by catchy syncopations.