Vassily Sergeyevich Kalinnikov, a Russian composer, died at the young age of 34, joining a list of composers like Mozart and Schubert who also died young.
Composer Biography
Kalinnikov initially had to give up his studies at the Moscow conservatory due to financial difficulties, later taking composition lessons and working in theatre orchestras as a bassoonist, violinist, and timpanist.
Composer Biography
Sergei Rachmaninov was appalled by Kalinnikov's living conditions and helped him secure a contract with a publisher, alleviating his financial worries towards the end of his life.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Kalinnikov's music, though influenced by Tchaikovsky, Borodin, and Balakirev, also features his own distinctive penchant for polyphonic working of his material and constantly reveals its geographical origins.
Composer Biography
A recommendation from Tchaikovsky in 1892 helped Kalinnikov secure a conducting post at Moscow's Maly Theatre.
Performer Biography
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is composed of 105 musicians from 25 different nations, showcasing harmony between cultures.
Performer Biography
Kees Bakels, the conductor on this album, began his musical career as a violinist and was the founding music director of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
