Focusing on the contributions of Mosolov, Popov, and Roslavets, this study delves into the lives and works of three pioneering musicians of the Soviet avant-garde who shaped modernist music in the 1920s. Despite their significant influence, these composers have been largely overlooked in history. This book serves as the first comprehensive exploration in English of their artistic legacy, shedding light on their innovative approaches and the cultural context of their time.
Nikolay Myaskovsky, a significant figure in 20th-century Russian music, experienced immense popularity between the two world wars, with his symphonies performed by major orchestras worldwide. His works contributed to the evolution of the symphonic genre, yet faced neglect after being labeled "formalism" at the 1948 USSR Composers Congress. This dismissal lasted until the Soviet Union's collapse, overshadowing his influence and legacy in the music world.
The biography chronicles the life of Kirill Kondrashin, detailing his journey from a modest upbringing and early conducting at 17 to his significant career in Leningrad and the Bolshoi Theatre. It explores his departure from the Bolshoi, his flourishing symphonic career, and his defection in 1978, culminating in his untimely death in 1981. The book includes 20 photographs, a comprehensive discography, bibliography, and index, providing a thorough insight into his contributions to music.
Focusing on Yevgeny Mravinsky's influential role in Soviet music, this biography delves into his aristocratic background and connections with renowned musicians like Dmitri Shostakovich. It offers a rare glimpse into the cultural and musical landscape of 20th century Russia, highlighting his tenure with the Leningrad Philharmonic. Additionally, the book features an interview with Andrey Zolotov, a detailed chronology of Mravinsky's life, and a selected discography, enriching the reader's understanding of this significant figure in classical music history.
Prehistoric Egypt, Socioeconomic Transformations in North-east Africa from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Neolithic, 24.000 to 4.000 BC takes a supra- regional approach to the environmental and socioeconomic landscapes of SW Asia and NE Africa across this crucial period.