Dmitry Bortnyansky
Dmitry Stepanovich Bortniansky (28 October 1751 – 10 October 1825) was a prominent composer, singer, and conductor of Ukrainian-Lemko origin, who played a significant role in the development of Ukrainian and Russian classical music. Born in Hlukhiv, in the Cossack Hetmanate (present-day Ukraine), Bortniansky was recognized early for his musical talent and was trained at the Hlukhiv Singing School. He was later taken to St. Petersburg by Marko Poltoratsky and studied under the Italian composer Baldassare Galuppi.
Bortniansky's career flourished in Italy, where he composed operas such as "Creonte" (1776), "Alcide" (1778), and "Quintus Fabius" (1779). Upon returning to St. Petersburg, he was appointed court chaplain and later became the director of the Imperial Chapel. Under his leadership, the chapel reached new heights, and he composed numerous works, including operas, instrumental pieces, and choral concertos.
Bortniansky was the first composer in the Russian Empire to have his music published, and he significantly influenced the choral music tradition. His contributions to church music, particularly the choral concerto, were substantial, and his works were later edited by Tchaikovsky. Bortniansky died in St. Petersburg in 1825, leaving behind a legacy celebrated in both Ukraine and Russia.
