Alexander Aleksandrovich Alyabyev (August 15, 1787 – March 6, 1851) was a prominent Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, often regarded as one of the fathers of the Russian art song. Born into a wealthy family in Tobolsk, Siberia, Alyabyev received his early education at home before studying at Moscow University. He joined the Russian Army during the Napoleonic War in 1812, participating in significant battles and earning two awards. After the war, he became associated with the Russian intelligentsia, including figures like Griboyedov and Odoyevskiy, and began to focus seriously on music composition.

Alyabyev's career was marked by both success and adversity. In 1825, he was falsely accused of murder during a card game and subsequently exiled to Siberia, where he continued to compose music, including the autobiographical romance "Irtysh." Despite his exile, Alyabyev's work remained influential, particularly his song "The Nightingale" (Solovey), composed in 1825, which became widely recognized and cherished in Russian culture.

After his release from exile, Alyabyev spent time in the Caucasus, where he was inspired by local folk music, leading to compositions like "Ammalat-Bek" and "A Prisoner in the Caucasus." He also collected Ukrainian and Bashkir folk songs. In his later years, Alyabyev lived in Moscow, where he continued composing until his death in 1851. His legacy includes seven operas, twenty musical comedies, a symphony, three string quartets, and over 200 songs, contributing significantly to Russian classical music.