Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov (1865-1935) was a member of the new, powerful group of composers which sprung up at the turn of the 20th century in Russia, the “Group of Five” (the “Novators” or “The Mighty Handful”), founded by the formidable Tchaikovsky. Browse our sheet music and scores, and discover all his compositions, full of a wonderful blend of oriental influence, and Russian folk today!
Alexander Glazunov was born into a wealthy family. He began his studies under the tutorage of Rimski-Korsakov, who took a liking to the talented young man, and they soon became friends. Glazunov’s early works, such as his first symphony, received rapturous applause and ovations. As early as 1899 he became a professor, and in 1905 we was appointed Director of the St. Petersburg School for Music. Little by little, he travelled through Europe and the USA. He spent his twilight years in France, and he died near Paris in 1935. His remains were transferred to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1972.
It was not an easy task for the outstanding young Glazunov to step out from the shadow of the great master Tchaikovsky, who at the time was at the height of his compositional skill, and power. Despite these obstacles, Glazunov managed to forge his own musical style, and write many successful works. His best opus includes eight completed symphonies, several symphonic poems, solo concertos (for piano, violin and saxophone) and seven string quartets. He also wrote cantatas and ballet music, these however are performed to a lesser extent today. As with some of his contemporaries, there are often oriental and exotic elements to be found in his compositions, alongside traditional Russian melodies and folk tunes, accompanied by a relatively loose metric structure.
Symphonic Poem
for: Orchestra
Study score
Item no.: 724892