Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Russia

Birth

:

April 22, 1892 in Ol'shanka, Kursk

Death

:

June 13, 1954 in St. Cloud, France

 

Nicolas Obukhov was a Russian-born composer who lived from 1892 to 1954. He was born in Moscow to a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known conductor. Obukhov began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with some of the best teachers in Moscow. In 1910, Obukhov moved to Paris to continue his studies at the Conservatoire de Paris. He studied composition with Charles-Marie Widor and Vincent d'Indy, and he also studied conducting with Felix Weingartner. During his time in Paris, Obukhov became interested in the music of the French symbolist poets, and he began to incorporate their ideas into his own compositions. Obukhov's early works were heavily influenced by the music of Debussy and Ravel, but he soon began to develop his own unique style. His music was characterized by its use of unusual harmonies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of elements from Russian folk music. One of Obukhov's most important works is his opera "Oresteia," which he began working on in the 1920s. The opera is based on the Greek tragedy of the same name, and it is notable for its use of a large orchestra and chorus. The opera was never performed during Obukhov's lifetime, but it has since been recognized as a masterpiece of 20th-century opera. Another important work by Obukhov is his "Symphony No. 2," which he composed in the 1930s. The symphony is notable for its use of a large orchestra and chorus, as well as its incorporation of Russian folk melodies. The symphony was well-received when it was first performed, and it has since become one of Obukhov's most popular works. Obukhov's music was not widely performed during his lifetime, and he struggled to gain recognition as a composer. However, his music has since been rediscovered and is now recognized as an important contribution to 20th-century classical music.

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