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Julius Isserlis was a Russian-born composer and pianist who lived from 1888 to 1968. He was born in the city of Kishinev, which is now part of Moldova, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged Julius to pursue music from a young age. Julius began studying piano with his mother when he was just four years old, and he showed a natural talent for the instrument. He also began composing his own music at a young age, and his parents recognized his potential as a composer as well as a pianist. In 1905, when Julius was 17 years old, he moved to Moscow to study at the Moscow Conservatory. He studied piano with Alexander Goldenweiser and composition with Sergei Taneyev, who was a student of Tchaikovsky. Julius was a dedicated student and worked hard to develop his skills as both a pianist and a composer. After completing his studies at the Moscow Conservatory, Julius began performing as a pianist and also began to gain recognition as a composer. His early works were influenced by the Romantic composers of the 19th century, particularly Chopin and Liszt. He also drew inspiration from Russian folk music and incorporated elements of it into his compositions. One of Julius's most famous works is his Piano Concerto No. 1, which he composed in 1914. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the solo pianist, with sweeping melodies and intricate technical passages. It was premiered in Moscow in 1915, with Julius as the soloist, and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. During World War I, Julius served in the Russian army as a musician. He played piano for the troops and also composed music to boost morale. After the war, he continued to perform and compose, and his reputation as a composer grew. In 1921, Julius moved to England with his wife and young son, Steven. He became a British citizen in 1931 and spent the rest of his life in England. He continued to compose and perform, and also taught piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Julius's music continued to evolve throughout his career. He began to incorporate elements of modernism into his compositions, particularly after he heard the music of Stravinsky and Schoenberg. He also drew inspiration from jazz and popular music, and experimented with new forms and structures. One of Julius's most experimental works is his Piano Sonata No. 2, which he composed in 1945. The sonata is a complex and challenging work, with dissonant harmonies and unconventional rhythms. It was not well-received by audiences at the time, but has since been recognized as a groundbreaking work of modernism. Julius's son, Steven Isserlis, also became a renowned musician, as a cellist. Steven has performed and recorded many of his father's works, and has also championed the music of other lesser-known composers. Julius Isserlis died in 1968, at the age of 80. He left behind a legacy of innovative and expressive music, which continues to be performed and studied today. His contributions to the world of classical music are significant, and his influence can be heard in the works of many composers who came after him.

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