Samba

Alexandre Levy (1864 - 1892) was a Brazilian composer, pianist and conductor. Born in Sao Paulo, he pioneered a fusion of classical composition with Brazilian folklore and regional rhythms. In 1890 Alexandre Levy composed Suite Brasileira'. In the last movement of this suite, entitled Samba', the composer used two melodies If I loved you' and Balaio, my dear, Balaio' -, both popular folk tunes at those days. Although the Suite Brasileira' is not often performed completely, the Samba' became popular on its own and is now transcribed for Symphonic Band by Dutch arranger Jos van de Braak.