Gioachino Rossini: (1792 - 1868)

• Was one of the most celebrated Italian composers of the early 19th century.

• Began composing at the age of 14

• Composed 39 operas

• Hailed as one of the great “bel canto” composers

• Well known for his comedic operas, The Barber of Seville, Semiramide, and La Cenerentola.

• Was nicknamed "The Italian Mozart"

• Music is characterized by florid lines, melodic brilliance, and masterful orchestration

• Retired from composing operas at the age of 37 Composed sacred and chamber music until his death

 

Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gioachino-Rossini 

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Georges Bizet: (1838 - 1875)

• One of the most influential and innovative French composers of the Romantic era.

• Displayed musical talent from a young age, entering the Paris Conservatoire at the age of nine.

  • There he studied with Charles Gounod and Fromental Halévy.

• 1857 won the Prix de Rome

• His “verismo” style of composition, exhibited in his most notable opera, Carmen, initially caused great uproar, as it was seen as too risqué.

• Wrote Carmen in 1875, considered one of the greatest operas of all time

• Died shortly after the premiere of Carmen, at the age of 36.

• His funeral was attended by more than 4000 people.

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Source: http://www.classical.net/music/comp.lst/articles/bizet/bio.php

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Margaret Bonds: (1913 - 1972)

• Born in Chicago, Illinois

• Was a pioneer and influential African American composer and virtuosic pianist.

• Bonds was a child prodigy. Wrote her first composition at the age of 5.

• At 8 years old she won a scholarship to study at the Coleridge-Taylor Music School (founded by Afro-British composer, Samuel Coleridge Taylor)

• First African American soloist to appear with the Chicago Symphony

• Had a successful career writing pieces for the Glenn Miller Orchestra

• 1936 Founded the Allied Arts Academy in Chicago for talented African American children

• She is renowned for her collaborations with prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance, including Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.

• She composed a wide range of works including art songs, spiritual arrangements, and orchestral pieces, often incorporating elements of African American spirituals and folk music.

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Source: Margaret Bonds Biography – Afrocentric Voices in "Classical" Music (afrovoices.com)

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