Alexandra Nikolaevna Pakhmutova |

Aleksandra Pakhmutova

People’s Artist of the USSR (1984), Hero of Socialist Labor (1990). In 1953 she graduated from the Moscow Conservatory in composition class with V. Ya. Shebalin; in 1956 – postgraduate studies there (same supervisor). Performing in different genres, Pakhmutova gained particular fame as a songwriter. Diverse in character and stylistic features, Pakhmutova’s songs are dedicated to V. I. Lenin, the Motherland, the Party, the Lenin Komsomol, the heroes of our time – cosmonauts, pilots, geologists, athletes, etc.

In the works of Pakhmutova, elements of Russian urban folklore, everyday romance, as well as the characteristic intonations of modern youth student and tourist song lyrics are widely used. The best songs of Pakhmutova are marked by naturalness and sincerity of expression, a multifaceted range of feelings – from courageously strict pathos to lyrical penetration, originality and relief of the melodic pattern. Many of Pakhmutova’s songs are plot-related to specific events of our day, inspired by the composer’s impressions of traveling around the country (“Power Line-500”, “Letter to Ust-Ilim”, “Marchuk plays the guitar”, etc.). Significant creative achievements of Pakhmutova include the song cycles “Taiga Stars” (1962-63), “Hugging the Sky” (1965-66), “Songs about Lenin” (1969-70) on the lines. S. T. Grebennikova and HH Dobronravov, as well as Gagarin’s Constellation (1970-71) on the next page. Dobronravova.

Many of Pakhmutova’s songs won national popularity, including Song of Anxious Youth (1958, lyrics by L. I. Oshanin), Geologists (1959), Cuba – My Love (1962), Glory Forward looking “(1962),” The main thing, guys, do not grow old with your heart “(1963),” Girls are dancing on the deck “(1963),” If the father is a hero “(1963),” Star of the fisherman “(1965),” Tenderness “( 1966), A Coward Doesn’t Play Hockey (1968) (all to lyrics by Grebennikov and Dobronravov), Good Girls (1962), Old Maple (1962; both to lyrics by M. L. Matusovsky) , “My Beloved” (1970, lyrics by R. F. Kazakova), “The Eaglets Learn to Fly” (1965), “Hugging the Sky” (1966), “We Learn to Fly Airplanes” (1966), “Who Will Respond” (1971 ), “Heroes of Sports” (1972), “Melody” (1973), “Hope” (1974), “Belarus” (1975, all – to the words of Dobronravov).

Of the works of other genres, the concerto for the orchestra (1972; based on the ballet Illumination) stands out, as well as music for children (cantatas, songs, choirs, instrumental plays). Secretary of the USSR CK (since 1968). Lenin Komsomol Prize (1966) State Prize of the USSR (1975).

Compositions: ballet – Illumination (1974); cantata – Vasily Terkin (1953); for orc. – Russian Suite (1953), overtures Youth (1957), Thuringia (1958), concert (1972); concerto for trumpet and orchestra. (1955); for orc. Russian nar. instruments – overture Russian holiday (1967); music for children – suite Lenin in our hearts (1957), cantatas – Red Pathfinders (1962), Detachment Songs (1972), pieces for various instruments; songs; music for drama performances. t-ditch; music for films, including “The Ulyanov Family” (1957), “On the Other Side” (1958), “Girls” (1962), “Apple of Discord” (1963), “Once upon a time there was an old man with an old woman” ( 1964), “Three poplars on Plyushchikha” (1967), radio shows.

References: Genina L., A. Pakhmutova, “SM”, 1956, No 1; Zak V., Songs by A. Pakhmutova, ibid., 1965, No 3; A. Pakhmutova. Conversations with masters, “MF”, 1972, No 13; Kabalevsky D., (About Pakhmutova), “Krugozor”, 1973, No 12; Dobrynina E., A. Pakhmutova, M., 1973.

MM Yakovlev