Andrei Volkonsky

Full biography Andrei Volkonsky

Andrei Volkonsky was a Russian composer and harpsichordist born in 1933 and passed away in 2008. He was known as a pioneer of modernism and experimental music in the Soviet Union during the 1960s and 1970s. Volkonsky was among the few composers at the time who dared to write 12-tone music , which he did under the suspicious noses of the Soviet authorities who were hostile towards avant-garde music. His unique approach to music made him a persona non grata in the Soviet Union, and he was forced to flee to France in the late 1970s.

Besides his contributions to 12-tone music, Volkonsky was known for his collaborations with other renowned composers such as Sofia Gubaidulina and Alfred Schnittke. Some of his notable compositions include "String Quartet No. 2," "Sotto voce," and "Partita for harpsichord." Volkonsky was also a talented harpsichordist and performed as a soloist and member of various ensembles.

Overall, Andrei Volkonsky was an important figure in the development of modernist and experimental music in the Soviet Union. His contributions to the field and unique approach to music continue to inspire and influence contemporary composers today.