Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1905

Death

:

1981

 

Nikolai Kedrov Jr. was a Russian composer and conductor who was born on October 27, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was born into a family of musicians, with his father, Nikolai Kedrov Sr., being a renowned composer and conductor, and his mother, Sofia Kedrova, being a pianist and composer. His grandfather, Pavel Kedrov, was also a composer and conductor, making music a significant part of his family's heritage. Kedrov Jr. began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and composition with his mother. He later attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he studied composition with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's son, Andrei Rimsky-Korsakov. He also studied conducting with Felix Blumenfeld and Nikolai Malko. After completing his studies, Kedrov Jr. began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras in Russia and Europe. He also continued to compose, creating works for orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles. His music was heavily influenced by Russian folk music, and he often incorporated traditional melodies and rhythms into his compositions. One of Kedrov Jr.'s most significant works is his setting of the Orthodox liturgy, known as the "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom." This work, which was composed in 1940, is considered one of the most significant settings of the liturgy in the 20th century. It features lush harmonies and intricate choral writing, and has been performed by choirs around the world. Kedrov Jr. also composed several works for choir, including his "All-Night Vigil," which was composed in 1943. This work, which is also known as the "Vespers," is a setting of the Orthodox evening service and features intricate choral writing and rich harmonies. It has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is often performed by professional and amateur choirs alike. In addition to his choral works, Kedrov Jr. also composed several works for orchestra, including his "Symphony No. 1," which was composed in 1938. This work features lush orchestration and a sweeping, romantic style that is reminiscent of the music of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Kedrov Jr. was also known for his work as a conductor, and he led several orchestras throughout his career. He was the principal conductor of the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra from 1948 to 1950 and later served as the conductor of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra from 1950 to 1954. He also conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. Despite his success as a composer and conductor, Kedrov Jr.'s career was not without its challenges. He lived and worked during a time of political upheaval in Russia, and his music was often subject to censorship and criticism from the Soviet government. He was also forced to flee Russia during World War II and spent several years living and working in the United States. Despite these challenges, Kedrov Jr. continued to create music throughout his life, and his works remain an important part of the classical music repertoire. He died on February 20, 1981, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and inspiring music.

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