Tikhon Khrennikov

Full biography Tikhon Khrennikov

Tikhon Khrennikov, born on June 10, 1913, was a prominent Russian composer known for his contributions to Soviet music in the 20th century.

Khrennikov began his music career at the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied under famed composers such as Alexander Glazunov and Vissarion Shebalin. He went on to gain recognition for his compositions, which reflected the Soviet aesthetic and ideology of the time.

Throughout his career, Khrennikov held a number of prestigious positions within the Soviet music establishment. He served as the Secretary of the Union of Soviet Composers from 1948 until 1991, during which time he oversaw the work of other Soviet composers and held influential positions in Soviet musical organizations.

Khrennikov's compositions were known for their accessibility, drawing on folk tunes and simple melodies that resonated with audiences across the Soviet Union. Some of his most famous works include his Symphony No. 3, Piano Concerto No. 2, and the ballet score Trapeze.

Despite his critical and popular success, Khrennikov was not without controversy. He was accused of being too conservative and too closely aligned with Soviet authorities, and his work was criticized for lacking artistic and intellectual depth. However, Khrennikov remained committed to his musical vision throughout his life, and his work continues to be celebrated in Russia and beyond.

Khrennikov passed away in Moscow on August 14, 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential Soviet composers of the 20th century.