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Mykola Leontovych was a Ukrainian composer, conductor, and teacher, best known for his composition "Carol of the Bells." Here are some interesting facts about him and the famous carol:

1. Early Life and Education:

   • Mykola Leontovych was born on December 13, 1877, in Selevychi, Ukraine, which was then part of the Russian Empire.
   • He studied at the Kyiv Music School and later continued his education at the Music and Drama School in Moscow.

2. Influence of Ukrainian Folk Music:

   • Leontovych was deeply influenced by Ukrainian folk music, and he incorporated elements of it into many of his compositions, including "Carol of the Bells."

3. "Carol of the Bells" Composition:

   • Leontovych composed "Carol of the Bells" in 1914. The original Ukrainian title is "Shchedryk," which translates to "bountiful" or "generous" in English.
   • The carol was based on a traditional Ukrainian folk chant that celebrated the coming of the New Year, which Leontovych arranged into a four-part choral piece.

4. Popularization in the West:

   • The English lyrics for "Carol of the Bells" were written by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936. Wilhousky's arrangement is the one most commonly performed in the West.
   • The carol gained widespread popularity in the United States after being featured in various Christmas productions, commercials, and movies.

5. Legacy and Recognition:

   • "Carol of the Bells" has become one of the most popular and recognizable Christmas carols worldwide, known for its distinctive melody and joyful, bell-like sound.
   • Leontovych's contributions to Ukrainian choral music and his influence on the popularization of Ukrainian folk traditions have earned him recognition as a significant figure in Ukrainian music history.

6. Tragic End:

   • Unfortunately, Mykola Leontovych's life was cut short during the turbulent times of the Russian Civil War. He was assassinated on January 23, 1921, by a Soviet agent.

Despite his relatively short life, Leontovych left a lasting impact on the world of music, particularly through the enduring popularity of "Carol of the Bells."