Alexander Egorovich Varlamov

Full biography Alexander Egorovich Varlamov

Alexander Egorovich Varlamov was a 19th-century Russian composer ), singer, teacher, and conductor. He was born on November 2, 1801, in Moscow, and died on October 27, 1848, in St. Petersburg. Varlamov was one of the founding fathers of the Russian art song and is renowned for his contributions to the development of the genre.

Varlamov was raised in a musical family and began his musical career as a choirboy in the church. His musical training continued at the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied under the prominent Russian composer and conductor, Vasily S. Pashkevich. Varlamov's compositions were influenced by various musical styles, such as Italian opera, gypsy music, and Russian folk songs, which he often incorporated into his works.

Varlamov composed over 200 art songs, many of which became famous and beloved in Russia. Some of his notable works include "The Little Bell," "Do Not Scold Me, Do Not Blame Me," and "Dark Eyes." Varlamov's works were characterized by their elegant melodies and inventive harmonies, which helped to establish the distinctive features of the Russian art song.

Varlamov was also a respected teacher and conductor, and his students included some of the most prominent musicians of the time. He was a prolific composer, and though he died relatively young at the age of 46, his contributions to the Russian art song were significant and enduring. Today, Varlamov is regarded as one of the greatest composers of his time, and his music continues to be loved and performed by musicians and audiences alike.