Born in 1904 in
St. Petersburg, Kabalevsky
later became pupil at the Moscow Conservatory. In 1929, shortly after
a beginning his career as a concert pianist, he garnered some fame
with his Piano Concerto No. 1. Upon returning the Conservatory to teach
in 1932, Kabalevsky became a dominant figure in Soviet music. Lauded
for his patriotic songs and battle hymns during the Second World War,
his post-war works continued to reflect the standards of “Soviet
Realism.” Though he is best know abroad for his orchestral works,
in his homeland he is remembered for his songs, operas and cantatas.
