On 30 December 1904 was born in St Petersburg the Russian composer Dmitri Kabalevsky. He was also a pianist, and for a time played for the silent films. As a composer in Russia and from 1940 a Party member, his output reflected the required style for some years. But it can be said of the music for young people that it shines much more readily of a free spirit. Kabalevsky died in Moscow on 16 February 1987.
CD Spotlight. Jollity Ultimately Triumphs - Orchestral music by Dmitri Kabalevsky, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'I am pleased to see this interesting disc, as it showcases an important composer from the Soviet era.'
CD Spotlight. A Musical Bond - Kabalevsky and Weinberg Concertos, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Innovative stuff worthy of some serious investigation.'
Altogether Invigorating - Gabriele Baldocci's Kabalevsky and Beethoven/Liszt at the BPSE Summer Festival impress Malcolm Miller
Profile. Hearing the Ideas - Maria Nockin talks to American composer Ricky Ian Gordon
CD Spotlight. A Spectral Atmosphere - Murray McLachlan plays music by Shostakovich and friends, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an outright triumph for the label and for McLachlan.'
Profile. A great schooling - Bill Newman talks to Igor Oistrakh as the 50th anniversary of the violinist's UK début approaches