Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych was a Ukrainian composer, choral conductor, and teacher, born on December 13, 1877, and best known for his choral work "Shchedryk," which was later adapted into the world-famous "Carol of the Bells." This work exemplifies Leontovych's deep affinity with the traditional choral music of Ukraine, as well as his innovative approach to harmonization and melodic development. He is considered a master of a cappella choral music and a leading figure of the Ukrainian national school of composition.

Leontovych's life was devoted to the development of Ukrainian music, exemplified in his arrangements of folk melodies and his original compositions. His tragic assassination in 1921 cut short a career that had the potential for even greater creative achievements. Nevertheless, Leontovych left a lasting legacy through his music, which has not only become a symbol of Ukrainian culture but has also been embraced by choirs and listeners around the globe. "Carol of the Bells," with its iconic four-note motif, continues to be a cherished piece of Christmas music and a testament to Leontovych's lasting influence on the choral music tradition.

Genres

Post-romantic Era

Ukrainian Classical

Related Artists

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Sergei Prokofiev

Modest Mussorgsky

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Igor Stravinsky

John Williams

George Frideric Handel

Dmitri Shostakovich

Aram Khachaturian

Alexander Borodin

Leroy Anderson

Latest Release

Carol of Bells

Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych

Single - Released December 4, 2023