Georgy Sviridov
Georgy Sviridov, born on December 16, 1915, in Fatezh, was a prominent Russian composer and a leading figure in the "new folklore wave" style. Despite his parents' lack of artistic background—his father being a postal worker and his mother a teacher—Sviridov's mother played a significant role in nurturing his musical talents. She sang in the kliros and chose a German piano over a cow as payment for a lesson, recognizing her son's interest in music.
Sviridov's early education in music began in the late 1920s when he attended a music school in Kursk. Displaying remarkable talent, he caught the attention of his teacher, M. Krutyansky, who encouraged him to pursue further studies in Leningrad. There, Sviridov studied under Isaiah Braudo and later entered the Leningrad Conservatory, where he joined the Union of Composers.
During World War II, Sviridov was evacuated to Novosibirsk with the Leningrad Philharmonic, where he composed vocal works. His creative path was marked by a deep engagement with Russian literature, setting poems by Sergei Yesenin and Boris Pasternak to music. In the 1960s, he gained acclaim with "Kursk Songs," a cycle for choir and orchestra based on folk motifs.
Sviridov's compositions extended to film music, notably for "The Snow-Storm," and his suite "Time, Forward!" became the theme for the Soviet TV news program Vremya. His work was celebrated in numerous concerts, including performances by the Mariinsky Orchestra and Chorus.
Sviridov's legacy is cemented in Russian choral music, with works like "Hymns and Prayers" considered monumental. He passed away in 1998, leaving behind a rich catalog of compositions that continue to influence Russian music.
