Aleksander Glazunov Paintings

Aleksander Konstantinovich Glazunov was a prominent Russian composer, music teacher, and conductor of the late Russian Romantic period. Born on August 10, 1865, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Glazunov was part of a generation of composers that came into prominence after the Russian musical giants like Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky. He showed prodigious musical talent from a young age, and began composing at 14. His talent was recognized by Mily Balakirev, who introduced him to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Rimsky-Korsakov then took Glazunov under his wing and gave him private lessons, quickly recognizing his extraordinary abilities.

Glazunov's remarkable memory and his ability to absorb and synthesize musical techniques are noted among his many talents. He composed his First Symphony at the age of 16, which was premiered under the baton of Balakirev, and it was well received. This early success launched his career, and he became known for his symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and ballet scores. His music combined the Russian folk tradition with the European symphonic tradition, particularly influenced by the German composers of the time.

Throughout his career, Glazunov maintained a balance between composing, conducting, and teaching. He was a significant figure in Russian music education, succeeding Rimsky-Korsakov as a professor at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. In 1905, he became its director and worked tirelessly to maintain the institution during the turbulent times of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war. Glazunov's efforts helped preserve the conservatory's tradition and ensured the education of future generations of Russian musicians.

Glazunov left Russia in 1928 to conduct concerts of his own music and never returned. He spent his last years in Paris, where he remained active as a composer and conductor. Despite his self-imposed exile, he continued to influence the musical life in Russia through his students, who included Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the 20th century's most significant composers. Glazunov died on March 21, 1936, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. His legacy includes over eight symphonies, a wide range of orchestral works, chamber music, and the ballet 'Raymonda,' which is still part of the classical ballet repertoire.