Short bio Mykola Leontovych
Full biography Mykola Leontovych
Mykola Leontovych was a Ukrainian composer and choir conductor who lived from 1877 to 1921. He is considered to be one of the most significant composers of Ukrainian national music. Leontovych was born in the Podolia region of Ukraine and showed an interest in music from an early age.
Leontovych studied music in Kyiv and later in Saint Petersburg. He returned to Ukraine to teach music in several cities, including Podolia, Kamianets-Podilskyi, and Shpola. During his lifetime, he composed a number of choral works, including "Shchedryk," which is perhaps his most famous composition.
"Shchedryk" is a Ukrainian folk song that Leontovych arranged for four-part mixed choir. The song became highly popular in the United States after it was adapted into the Christmas song "Carol of the Bells" by an American composer named Peter Wilhousky.
Leontovych's choral works are characterized by their emotive and expressive melodies, intricate harmonies, and use of Ukrainian folk music. His compositions often feature Ukrainian folk tales and themes, which helped to promote Ukrainian national identity during a time when Ukraine was under occupation.
Sadly, Leontovych's life was cut short when he was assassinated at age 44 by a Soviet agent. Despite his short life, Leontovych's contributions to Ukrainian classical music continue to be celebrated today, and his compositions are cherished by music lovers around the world.
Compositions featuring Mykola Leontovych
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carol of the Bells (Shchedryk; Tchedrik) | 2:14 min | Choral | 1910 |
| 2 | Cherubic Hymn, for chorus | 2:22 min | Choral | - |
| 3 | In Thy Kingdom | 3:55 min | Choral | - |
| 4 | Oh, le coucou gris | 4:46 min | Choral | - |
| 5 | Otche Nach (Notre Père; Our Father) | 4:06 min | Choral | - |
| 6 | Virouyou (Credo) | 3:57 min | - |
Albums featuring Mykola Leontovych
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Микола Леонтович = Mykola Leontovych, Камерний хор "Київ" = "Kyiv" Chamber Choir, Микола Гобдич = Mykola Hobdych – Українська Служба Божа = The Ukrainian Mass(CD, ) | 2006 | Dotcom Recordings LTD |
| 2 |  |
На Русалчин Великдень(LP) | 1982 | Мелодия |
| 3 |  |
М. Леонтович, Хор Київської Державної Консерваторії, Павло Муравський – До 100-річчя З Дня Народження(3×LP) | 1977 | Мелодия |
Videos featuring Mykola Leontovych
On the Water Nymph's Easter - Mykola Leontovych FULL OPERA
На Русалчин Великдень - Микола Леонтович ПОВНА ОПЕРА
Na Rusalchyn Velykden' (translated: On the Water Nymph's Easter) was Mykola Leontovych's first attempt at writing a major orchestral piece. It is based on a
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