The influence of George Sviridov on Russian music is difficult to overestimate. Winner of many awards, this pianist and composer was able to emphasize in his works the culture of Russia, the originality of the Russian soul, traditions and customs of the peoples of the country. With particular excitement, music lovers listen to Sviridov’s compositions on the theme of Pushkin’s works.
From the biography of Georgy Vasilyevich Sviridov
The future composer was born on December 3, 1915. The place of his birth was the city of Fatezh, in the Kursk region. Sviridov's father worked at the post office, he actively supported the Bolsheviks. Mom was a school teacher and did not share the passionate political aspirations of the head of the family.
When George was only four years old, his father died in the struggle for Bolshevik power. Mother and child were left without any livelihood. It was decided to move to Kursk - relatives lived there on the mother's side. In the same city, George went to school.
From an early age, George showed interest in literature. He actively participates in school circles, in amateur productions, composes poems. At eight years old, Sviridov knew many Russian and foreign authors and was well versed in literature.
Once George had to play in a school production. The main character of the play was to perform a melody on a balalaika. Sviridov volunteered to master this tool. Subsequently, he began to compose his own tunes and pick up well-known motifs by ear.
In 1936, George became a student at the Leningrad Conservatory. Here he mastered the musical art of Ryazanov and Shostakovich, who were considered one of the most prominent teachers of his time. A year later, appreciating the talent of a young man, Ryazanov recommended Sviridov to the Union of Composers.
With the outbreak of war, Sviridov decides to go to a military school to become an aerial observer. However, poor health prevented them from mastering the military profession. In order to evacuate, George moved to Novosibirsk. Here he composes music for theaters of Novosibirsk, participates in productions.
