Who is considered first nationalist composer and what types of American music did he include in his compositions?

Louis Moreau Gottschalk is considered the first nationalist composer in the United States. Gottschalk was born in New Orleans in 1829, and he grew up in a musical environment. He began composing at an early age, and he eventually studied music in Europe. Gottschalk returned to the United States in 1853, and he began to tour the country as a concert pianist. He also began to compose music that reflected his American heritage.

Gottschalk's music is often described as "nationalist" because it incorporates elements of American folk music and popular music. He also used African-American spirituals and other elements of African-American music in his compositions. Gottschalk's music is often characterized by its use of syncopation, improvisation, and virtuosic piano technique.

Some of Gottschalk's most famous compositions include "Bamboula", "The Banjo", "The Union", and "The Last Hope". These pieces of music are all representative of Gottschalk's unique style and his commitment to creating a distinctly American music.