Zhanneta Metallidi facts for kids
Zhanneta Lazarevna Metallidi (Russian: Жаннэ́та Ла́заревна Металли́ди; 1 June 1934 — 7 June 2019) was a talented composer and music teacher from Russia. She wrote many different kinds of music, and she was especially known for her wonderful pieces for children.
Her Early Life and Education
Zhanneta Metallidi was born in a city called Leningrad, which is now known as Saint Petersburg. She loved music from a young age. She studied music with famous teachers like Galina Ustvol'skaya and Orest Yevlakhov at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. A conservatory is a special school where people learn to become professional musicians.
After finishing her studies, Zhanneta worked at a drama institute. She was an accompanist, which means she played music for actors during their rehearsals or performances. She also started writing music for plays. In 1960, she began teaching at a music school for children. This is when she started writing music in many different styles, not just for plays.
What She Composed
Zhanneta Metallidi wrote music for many different groups. She composed for large orchestras, smaller groups of instruments called chamber ensembles, and even for choirs. She was especially famous for her music written just for children.
Some of her well-known works include:
- Songs of the Great Way (1958) – These were songs for a singer and a piano, using words by the poet Walt Whitman.
- Romances (1973) – This was a group of songs, often about love or feelings.
- Siuita (1975) – A suite is a collection of musical pieces.
- Smeyantsi (1981) – This was a cantata, which is like a story told through music and singing. It was for a children's choir, percussion instruments, and piano.
- The Country (1989) – This was a musical, which is a play with songs and music.
- The Cockroach (1992) – This was an opera, which is a big musical play where most of the words are sung.
Her Later Life
Zhanneta Metallidi passed away on June 7, 2019, in St. Petersburg. She was 85 years old. Her music continues to be enjoyed, especially by young musicians and audiences.
