Yuri Shaporin

Yuri Shaporin (1887-1966) was a Russian composer who lived through a pretty turbulent period in his country's history, spanning from the Tsarist era to the Soviet regime. He's probably best known for his monumental cantata "On the Field of Kulikovo," a dramatic and patriotic work commemorating a historic battle. While he composed in a variety of genres, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music, his style remained rooted in Russian traditions, often incorporating folk melodies and a distinctly lyrical quality. He wasn't afraid to experiment though, and his music sometimes shows the influence of more modernist trends.

Though perhaps not as widely recognized internationally as some of his contemporaries like Prokofiev or Shostakovich, Shaporin was a significant figure in Soviet music. He held important teaching positions and received numerous awards for his contributions. If you're interested in exploring Russian classical music beyond the usual suspects, diving into Shaporin's works, like his piano music or the dramatic "On the Field of Kulikovo," is definitely worth your time.