Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov was a Russian composer, music teacher, and conductor of the late Romantic period. Born on August 10, 1865, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Glazunov was a child prodigy, both as a composer and a musician. He began composing at 11 and, by the age of 16, had produced the First Symphony, which enjoyed a warm reception upon its premiere. The composer Mily Balakirev recognized his talent early on and introduced him to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who became Glazunov's mentor.

During his career, Glazunov achieved significant acclaim. He became a key figure in Russian music, succeeding Rimsky-Korsakov as the director of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. His style combined the lush harmonies of the Romantic period with the intricate techniques of counterpoint and melody reminiscent of the masters of the previous eras. He was gifted in orchestration and had a predilection for symphonic writing, which is showcased in his eight symphonies and numerous concertos. Despite political upheavals and the advent of new musical trends, Glazunov remained true to his own musical language, which was shaped by the traditions of Russian classical music and his personal cosmopolitan taste. He died on March 21, 1936, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of works that encapsulated the grandeur and soul of the Russian spirit in music. His works, such as the ballet "Raymonda", the "Violin Concerto", and his significant contribution to chamber music, have ensured his position in the canon of classical music and continue to be celebrated worldwide.

Genres

Classical

Early Modern Classical

Post-romantic Era

Russian Romanticism

Related Artists

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Sergei Prokofiev

Dmitri Shostakovich

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Alexander Borodin

Mily Balakirev

Claude Debussy

Camille Saint-Saëns

Felix Mendelssohn

Maurice Ravel

Modest Mussorgsky

Latest Release

Piers Lane: A Piano Recital

Piers Lane•

Sergei Rachmaninoff•

Franz Schubert•

Alexander Glazunov•

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Album - 57 Tracks - Released August 22, 2024