Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Brazil

Birth

:

October 17, 1847

Death

:

February 28, 1935

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Chiquinha Gonzaga was a Brazilian composer and pianist who was born on October 17, 1847, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was born into a family of musicians, and her father, José Basileu Gonzaga, was a conductor and composer. Chiquinha began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. She received formal training in music from her father and other teachers. In 1863, Chiquinha married Jacinto do Amaral, a military officer, and had two children with him. However, the marriage was short-lived, and they separated in 1875. Chiquinha then began to focus more on her music career and started performing in public concerts. She became known for her piano playing and her compositions, which were a blend of European classical music and Brazilian popular music. One of Chiquinha's most famous compositions is the polka "Atraente," which she wrote in 1877. The piece became a hit in Brazil and was played at many social events. Chiquinha continued to compose music and became one of the most prolific composers of her time. She wrote over 2,000 pieces of music, including waltzes, polkas, tangos, and marches. In 1899, Chiquinha composed the first Brazilian musical comedy, "Forrobodó," which was a huge success. The play was performed over 200 times and helped to establish Chiquinha as a leading figure in Brazilian music. She continued to compose music for theater productions and became known as the "Queen of Brazilian Music." Chiquinha was also a pioneer in the fight for women's rights in Brazil. In 1910, she became the first woman to conduct an orchestra in Brazil when she led the orchestra for the play "Zizinha Maxixe." She also founded the Brazilian Society of Female Composers in 1917, which aimed to promote the work of women composers in Brazil. Chiquinha continued to compose music until her death on February 28, 1935, at the age of 87. Her legacy as a composer and pianist has had a lasting impact on Brazilian music, and she is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian music.

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