Heitor Villa-Lobos extracted Suite No. 4 “Descobrimento do Brasil” (W 380) in 1937 from his score for Humberto Mauro’s film of the same name, completing the cycle of four suites that portray Brazil’s early colonial history.

he suite comprises two movements for mixed (SATB) chorus and full orchestra:

1. Procissão da Cruz – a solemn, processional setting that opens with a chant-like melody in the choir, supported by organ-like pedal points and subdued brass, evoking the first Christian rites in Brazil.

2. Primeira Missa no Brasil – a more expansive, liturgical movement featuring homophonic choral writing and gentle orchestral interjections that suggest both reverence and the novelty of the Mass in a new land.