Short bio Aaron Avshalomov
Full biography Aaron Avshalomov
Aaron Avshalomov was a Russian-born Jewish composer , born on November 11, 1894, in Siberia. His family was part of the Mountain Jewish community. After studying medicine, he abandoned his career and pursued his passion for music. He moved to China in the early 1920s, where he conducted the Shanghai Municipal Orchestra , and later established the first music school in Harbin.
Avshalomov's work includes several ballets, operas, and orchestral compositions, and he is known for his ability to blend Chinese and Western musical forms. His style combines Chinese influences with Western compositional techniques , creating a unique and compelling sound. Some of his notable works include the opera Kuan Yin, which is based on a Chinese folk tale, and transcriptions of traditional Chinese music.
In 1947, Avshalomov moved to the United States to join his son , Jacob Avshalomov, who was also a composer and conductor. While in the US, Aaron Avshalomov continued to compose and teach music. He was active until the end of his life and passed away on April 26, 1965, in Portland, Oregon.
Aaron Avshalomov's contributions to the world of music have been significant and far-reaching. His unique style and innovative approach to composition have made him a celebrated figure in both Chinese and Western musical traditions. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and composers.
Compositions featuring Aaron Avshalomov
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Violin Concerto | 35:54 min | Concerto | 1937 |
| 2 | Concerto on Chinese Themes and Rhythms for piano & orchestra in G major | 27:30 min | Concerto | 1935 |
| 3 | Peiping Hutungs: Symphonic poem on Chinese Street Sounds and Cries, for orchestra | 9:51 min | Orchestral | 1931 |
| 4 | Four Biblical Tableaux (B'nai Brith Rigual Suite), for orchestra | 12:10 min | Orchestral | 1928 |
| 5 | Soul of the Ch'in, ballet-pantomime | 35:21 min | Ballet | 1925 |
| 6 | Flute Concerto | 25:04 min | Concerto | - |
| 7 | Lantern Dance, for erhu (from the opera Yang Kewi-fei) | 5:50 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 8 | Nocturne, Kwei Fei's Lament, for erhu (from the opera Yang Kwe-fei) | 6:17 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 9 | Piano Concerto | 32:41 min | Concerto | - |
| 10 | Symphony No. 1 | 41:44 min | Symphony | - |
| 11 | Symphony No. 2 | 33:14 min | Symphony | - |
Albums featuring Aaron Avshalomov
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Aaron Avshalomov, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Gerard Schwarz, Seattle Symphony, Sheila Silver, Jan Meyerowitz, Yoel Levi – Jewish Tone Poems(CD, ) | 2005 | Naxos |
| 2 |  |
Orchestral Works, Volume 3(CD, Album) | 1999 | Marco Polo |
| 3 |  |
Orchestral Works, Volume 2(CD, Album) | 1999 | Marco Polo |
| 4 |  |
Orchestral Works, Volume 1(CD, Album) | 1999 | Marco Polo |
| 5 |  |
David Avshalomov, Jacob Avshalomov, Aaron Avshalomov – Three Generations Avshalomov(CD, Album) | 1996 | Albany Records |
| 6 |  |
Aaron Avshalomov, Jacob Avshalomov – Aaron & Jacob Avshalomov(CD, Compilation, Reissue, Remastered) | 1994 | Composers Recordings Inc. (CRI) |
| 7 |  |
Aaron Avshalomov & Jacob – Piano Concerto /"How Long, Oh Lord" Cantata / Peiping Hutungs | 1966 | Composers Recordings Inc. (CRI) |
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