Gonzaga, Chiquinha (1847–1935)
Gonzaga, Chiquinha (1847–1935)
Brazilian composer. Born Francisca Hedwiges Neves Gonzaga in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 17, 1847; died in Rio de Janeiro on February 28, 1935; one of Brazil's most popular and prolific composers, Gonzaga wrote over 2,000 works; active in the antislave movement.
Few composers, male or female, have written over 2,000 pieces. Chiquinha Gonzaga not only created that many works but she was also one of Brazil's most popular composers. She studied piano under E. Alvares Lobo and Artur Napoleao before writing her first piece of music at age 11. In 1885, she was the first woman in her country to conduct a theater orchestra. From 1885 to 1933, Gonzaga wrote the scores for 77 plays. Forrobodó was her most popular and had over 1,500 performances, although Maria, a classical work, was considered her best achievement. An opponent of slavery, Gonzaga devoted much effort to the Brazilian abolitionist movement. She used the money from the sale of one of her scores to buy the freedom of José Flauta, a slave musician. From 1902 to 1910, she traveled in Europe and set several Portuguese plays to music. Gonzaga was a founding member of the Sociedade Brazileira de Autores Teatrais and contributed a great deal to the musical life of her country.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia