Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

February 27, 1909

Death

:

March 27, 1968

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Boris Mokrousov was a prominent Russian composer of the 20th century, known for his contributions to classical music. Born on January 23, 1909, in the city of Moscow, Mokrousov was raised in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music from a young age. Mokrousov began his musical education at the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied composition under the tutelage of Nikolai Myaskovsky. He graduated in 1932 and went on to become a professor at the conservatory, where he taught composition until his death in 1968. Mokrousov's early works were heavily influenced by the Russian folk music tradition, which he incorporated into his compositions. His first major work, the opera "The Fair at Sorochyntsi," was based on a story by Nikolai Gogol and premiered in 1931. The opera was well-received and established Mokrousov as a rising star in the world of classical music. Throughout the 1930s, Mokrousov continued to compose operas, ballets, and symphonies, many of which were performed by the Bolshoi Theatre and other prominent Russian ensembles. His works were characterized by their use of folk melodies and rhythms, as well as their incorporation of modernist techniques. One of Mokrousov's most famous works is his ballet "The Humpbacked Horse," which premiered in 1941. The ballet was based on a Russian folk tale and featured a score that combined traditional melodies with modern harmonies and rhythms. The ballet was a critical and commercial success and has since become a staple of the Russian ballet repertoire. During World War II, Mokrousov composed several patriotic works, including the cantata "The Motherland Calls," which was dedicated to the Soviet soldiers fighting on the front lines. The cantata featured a powerful score that combined choral singing with orchestral accompaniment and was performed throughout the war to boost morale. In the post-war years, Mokrousov continued to compose operas, ballets, and symphonies, many of which were performed both in Russia and abroad. His works were known for their emotional depth and technical complexity, as well as their incorporation of folk music elements. One of Mokrousov's most famous works from this period is his opera "The Dawns Here Are Quiet," which premiered in 1959. The opera was based on a novel by Boris Vasilyev and told the story of a group of female soldiers fighting on the front lines during World War II. The opera was a critical and commercial success and has since become a staple of the Russian opera repertoire. Mokrousov's later works were characterized by their experimentation with new musical forms and techniques. He incorporated elements of jazz and rock music into his compositions, as well as electronic music and avant-garde techniques. One of Mokrousov's most experimental works is his Symphony No. 5, which premiered in 1965. The symphony featured a complex score that combined traditional orchestral instruments with electronic sounds and avant-garde techniques. The symphony was a departure from Mokrousov's earlier works and demonstrated his willingness to push the boundaries of classical music. Boris Mokrousov died on December 28, 1968, at the age of 59. He left behind a legacy of innovative and emotionally powerful compositions that continue to be performed and celebrated today. His contributions to the world of classical music have earned him a place among the great composers of the 20th century.

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