Yevgeny Mravinsky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yevgeny Aleksandrovich Mravinsky
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Portrait of Yevgeny Mravinsky, 1957, by Lev Russov
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| Born | 4 June 1903 |
| Died | 19 January 1988 (aged 84) Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
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Yevgeny Aleksandrovich Mravinsky (Russian: Евге́ний Алекса́ндрович Мрави́нский) was a famous Russian conductor, pianist, and music teacher. He was born on June 4, 1903, and passed away on January 19, 1988. Mravinsky was also a professor at the Leningrad State Conservatory.
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Early Life and Training
Mravinsky was born in the city of Saint Petersburg. His aunt, Yevgeniya Mravina, was a well-known singer. After his father died in 1918, Mravinsky started working backstage at the Mariinsky Theatre. From 1923 to 1931, he helped ballet dancers practice their routines.
Even though he first studied biology, Mravinsky joined the Leningrad Conservatory in 1924. He was able to study there without paying fees.
Becoming a Conductor
Mravinsky first conducted music in public in 1929. During the 1930s, he conducted for famous ballet and opera companies, including the Kirov Ballet and the Bolshoi Opera. In September 1938, he won a big conducting competition in Moscow.
In October 1938, Mravinsky became the main conductor of the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra. He held this important job until he died. Under his leadership, the Leningrad Philharmonic became famous around the world. They were especially known for playing Russian music. During World War II, Mravinsky and the orchestra moved to Siberia for safety.
Working with Shostakovich
Mravinsky was very closely linked to the music of Dmitri Shostakovich, a famous composer. He conducted the very first performance of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony.
Mravinsky also led the first performances of many other Shostakovich works, including:
- The Sixth Symphony
- The Eighth Symphony (which Shostakovich dedicated to Mravinsky)
- The Ninth Symphony
- The Tenth Symphony
- The Twelfth Symphony
- The Song of the Forests
- Violin Concerto No. 1
- Cello Concerto No. 1
In 1962, Mravinsky decided not to conduct the first performance of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 13. This caused some problems in their working relationship. However, they fixed their friendship in the early 1970s. Mravinsky later performed and recorded Shostakovich's Seventh, Eleventh, and Fifteenth Symphonies.
He also conducted the first performance of Sergei Prokofiev's Sixth Symphony.
Recordings and Tours
Mravinsky made studio recordings from 1938 to 1961. He recorded the symphonies of Tchaikovsky for Deutsche Grammophon. After 1961, his recordings mostly came from live concerts. His very last recording was from a live performance of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 12 in April 1984.
Mravinsky started his international career in 1946 with tours to Finland and Czechoslovakia. Later, he toured with his orchestra to western Europe in 1956. They visited the United Kingdom in 1960 and Japan in 1973. Their last foreign tour was to West Germany in 1984.
Later Life and Legacy
On March 6, 1987, Mravinsky led his final concert. He conducted Schubert's Symphony No. 8 and Brahms' Symphony No. 4. After being ill for a long time, Mravinsky passed away in Leningrad in 1988. He was 84 years old.
Conducting Style
Videos show that Mravinsky looked serious when he conducted. He made simple, clear movements, often without using a baton.
His Method
In an interview, Mravinsky explained how he chose how to play a piece of music. He said he tried to understand what the composer wanted by getting into the "atmosphere" of the music.
Available Recordings
Mravinsky recorded for the state music label, Melodiya. Today, you can also find his recordings from companies like Erato Records and Profil – G Haenssler.
See also
In Spanish: Yevgueni Mravinski para niños
