Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1871 in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Death

:

1928

 

Alexander Spendiarov was a prominent Armenian composer who was born on December 1, 1871, in Tbilisi, Georgia. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father, Stepanos Spendiarov, was a well-known composer and conductor. Alexander showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and violin at a young age. In 1888, Alexander moved to Moscow to study at the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied composition under Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He also studied piano under Vasily Safonov and violin under Jan Hřímalý. During his time at the conservatory, Alexander became interested in Armenian folk music and began incorporating it into his compositions. After graduating from the conservatory in 1896, Alexander returned to Tbilisi and began working as a conductor and composer. He founded the Armenian Opera Theater in Tbilisi in 1912 and served as its artistic director until 1921. During this time, he composed several operas, including "Almast," "Anoush," and "The Capture of Tmkaberd." Alexander's music was heavily influenced by Armenian folk music, and he often incorporated traditional Armenian melodies and rhythms into his compositions. His music was also influenced by Russian composers such as Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky. One of Alexander's most famous works is his ballet "The Seven Beauties," which he composed in 1908. The ballet is based on a Persian poem and tells the story of a prince who is taught the virtues of love, wisdom, justice, courage, generosity, friendship, and humility by seven princesses. The ballet is known for its colorful orchestration and use of Armenian folk melodies. Another notable work by Alexander is his opera "Almast," which he composed in 1913. The opera tells the story of a young Armenian woman who is kidnapped by a Turkish sultan and falls in love with his son. The opera is known for its use of Armenian folk music and its portrayal of the struggle between Armenians and Turks. In addition to his operas and ballets, Alexander also composed several symphonies, chamber music, and piano works. His music was well-received in Armenia and Russia, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. Alexander spent the later years of his life in Yerevan, Armenia, where he continued to compose and teach at the Yerevan State Conservatory. He died on March 7, 1928, at the age of 56. Today, Alexander Spendiarov is remembered as one of the most important Armenian composers of the 20th century. His music continues to be performed and recorded, and his influence can be heard in the works of many contemporary Armenian composers.

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