Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Russia

Birth

:

February 10, 1903 in Potshep, Chernigov govt.

Death

:

September 27, 1990

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Matvey Isaakovich Blanter was a Soviet composer who was born on February 28, 1903, in the city of Pochep, in the Russian Empire. He was born into a Jewish family, and his father was a cantor in a local synagogue. Blanter showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied at the Gnessin State Musical College in Moscow, where he was trained in composition and piano performance. Blanter's early compositions were influenced by the Russian classical tradition, but he also incorporated elements of Jewish folk music into his works. In the 1920s and 1930s, he worked as a composer for the Soviet film industry, writing music for over 200 films. Some of his most famous film scores include the music for the films "Circus" (1936) and "The Great Citizen" (1937). In addition to his work in film, Blanter also composed a number of popular songs that became hits in the Soviet Union. One of his most famous songs is "Katyusha," which was written in 1938 and became a popular patriotic song during World War II. The song was later translated into many languages and became known around the world. Blanter's classical compositions include a number of works for piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. One of his most famous works is the "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was written in 1945. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases Blanter's skill as a pianist and composer. It has been performed by many famous pianists, including Emil Gilels and Sviatoslav Richter. Blanter's other notable works include the "Suite for Chamber Orchestra," which was written in 1950, and the "Symphony No. 1," which was written in 1952. The suite is a lively and colorful work that features a variety of different musical styles, while the symphony is a more serious and introspective work that reflects the composer's experiences living through the tumultuous years of World War II and the Stalinist era. Despite his success as a composer, Blanter was not immune to the political pressures of the Soviet regime. In 1948, he was accused of "formalism" and was briefly banned from composing. He was later reinstated, but his career suffered as a result of the accusations. He continued to compose, but his output slowed down in the later years of his life. Blanter died on March 13, 1990, in Moscow, at the age of 87. He left behind a legacy of music that reflects the complex and often contradictory experiences of life in the Soviet Union. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his contributions to the world of classical music and popular song are still celebrated today.

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