Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov

Full biography Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov

Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov was a prominent Russian composer, conductor, and teacher who lived from 1859 to 1935. He is known for his works that depict Russian folklore and oriental themes.

Born in Gatchina, near St. Petersburg, Ippolitov-Ivanov started his musical education at an early age and began composing as a teenager. His talent was recognized by some of the best musicians of the time, and he was invited to study at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he learned from such famous composers as Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

In his early career, Ippolitov-Ivanov worked as a conductor at a number of prominent Russian theaters, including the Bolshoi. In 1893, he was appointed to the position of conductor at the Imperial Chapel in Tiflis (now Tbilisi), Georgia, which he held for more than 20 years.

During his time in Tiflis, Ippolitov-Ivanov was able to explore the rich cultural traditions of the Caucasus and Central Asia, which had a profound influence on his compositions. Some of his most famous works, including the symphonic poem "In the Manger" and the Caucasian Sketches suites, were inspired by these exotic traditions.

In addition to his work as a composer, Ippolitov-Ivanov was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Moscow Conservatory for many years, where his students included some of the most famous composers of the Soviet era, including Dmitri Shostakovich.

Today, Ippolitov-Ivanov is remembered as one of the most important composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Russia. His works continue to be performed and studied by musicians around the world.