Esmeralda Athanasiu-Gardeev facts for kids

Esmeralda Athanasiu-Gardeev (1834–1917) was a talented Romanian musician. She was known for playing the piano and for writing her own music. She lived a long life, sharing her musical gifts with many.

Her Early Life and Studies

Esmeralda was born in a city called Galaţi in Moldavia in 1834. This was a region that is now part of Romania. She started her music journey by studying in Bucharest, the capital city.

Later, she traveled to other famous cities to learn even more. In Paris, France, she studied piano with a well-known teacher named Julius Schulhoff. She also learned how to compose music there. Then, she went to St. Petersburg, Russia, to study composition with another famous musician, Anton Rubinstein.

Esmeralda married twice. First, she married Vasile Hermaziu. Later, she married General Gardeev. After the Romanian War of Independence, she returned to Bucharest. There, she taught music to others. She taught singing, playing the lute, and playing the piano. Esmeralda Athanasiu-Gardeev passed away in Bucharest in 1917.

Her Music and Compositions

Esmeralda Athanasiu-Gardeev wrote many pieces of music. A lot of her compositions were inspired by Romanian folklore. This means she used traditional Romanian stories, songs, and dances in her music.

Here are some of her selected works:

• Romanian March, Op. 1
• Myosotis (a type of mazurka, which is a lively Polish dance)
• Sourvenir de Odessa (another mazurka)
• Polca capricioasa (a playful polka)
• Wordless romance
• Scherzo (a lively, often playful musical piece)
• Imn (a hymn for a mixed chorus)
• Collection de chansons (a collection of songs)
• 3 Leider (three songs)