Musician gives the guitar a Brazilian heart

Other highlights from the album include Bate-Coxa, a sensual dance piece written by Pereira, which is rooted in Brazil's musical tradition with influences from jazz as well as from other Latin American traditions. Farewell, by Sergio Assad, is dedicated to the memory of the composer's late first wife.

"Brazilian music is characterized by its blend of indigenous, African and European influences, which have combined over centuries to create a varied and vibrant musical tradition. The album has been a longtime wish. It reflects my personal favorites from the wide, deep pool of Brazilian music," Yang says.

She adds that its warmth and vibrancy has encouraged her to infuse a different emotional palette into her playing. While performing, she makes use of her classical technique, but lets the pieces breathe with a rhythm and spirit that is distinctly Brazilian. She has also begun to incorporate its rhythmic influences in her interpretation of other pieces, blending the rigor of classical with the spontaneity and warmth of Brazilian music.

"What I find most compelling is the wide variety. It's the musical equivalent of Chinese food — if you go to a Chinese restaurant, there are hundreds of delicious dishes on offer — but it's all Chinese food. The same is true with all these Brazilian styles — all wonderful but still part of something bigger and recognizably Brazilian," she says.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn