Zoltán Kodály

Zoltán Kodály was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, music pedagogue, linguist, and philosopher. Born on 16 December 1882 in Kecskemét, Hungary, he showed early musical aptitude and learned to play the violin as a child. He furthered his education at the University of Budapest and the Royal Hungarian Academy of Music. Kodály collected Hungarian folk songs and was a key figure in promoting music education, known for creating the Kodály method. His compositions blend Western European traditions with Hungarian folk music. He passed away in Budapest at the age of 84.