Tikhon Khrennikov - Soviet and Russian composer, musician, teacher. During his long creative career, the maestro composed several worthy operas, ballets, symphonies, and instrumental concertos. Fans also remember him as the author of music for films.
Childhood and youth of Tikhon Khrennikov
He was born in early June 1913. Tikhon was born into a large family. His parents were far from creative professions. He was brought up in the family of a merchant clerk and an ordinary housewife.
The head of the family did not skimp on education. In the Khrennikov family, special attention was paid to music. And although his father was far from creativity, he encouraged music. For example, Tikhon knew how to play several musical instruments. During his school years, the young man was listed in the local choir.
Most of all, Khrennikov Jr. was attracted to improvisation. He composed his first etude as a teenager. From this period of time, the formation of Tikhon as a composer begins.
Soon he got a consultation with Mikhail Gnesin himself. He managed to discern talent in Tikhon. The maestro recommended that the guy finish secondary school, and only then proceed to enter the Moscow Conservatory. At this time, Khrennikov listened to the compositions of Russian classics.
Tikhon Khrennikov: training at Gnesinka
Tikhon heeded the advice of the talented Mikhail Gnesin, and after graduating from school he entered a music school. After that, he was enrolled in the capital's conservatory, where he had a unique opportunity to study with experienced teachers. In his student years, he begins to work in a children's theater.
In his last year, Khrennikov presents to teachers the first symphony, which can be classified as a professional work. It is noteworthy that the musical composition became popular not only in the territory of the Soviet Union. The symphony entered the repertoire of eminent conductors from America.
Tikhon presented the symphony as his graduation work. The only one who gave Khrennikov an "excellent" mark in the exam was Sergei Prokofiev.
The composer himself counted on receiving a red diploma. He did not expect from the commission marks below "5". After the results of the exam became known to him, he announced that he would not receive a blue diploma. A few days later, the academic council of the conservatory considered the student's case. He did leave the conservatory, holding a red diploma in his hands.
The creative path of Tikhon Khrennikov
The peak of the composer's popularity came in the mid-30s of the last century. During this period of time, he became one of the most famous maestro of the Soviet Union. Tikhon toured a lot, gave concerts and taught.
Soon he organized a piano concerto for the theater production of Much Ado About Nothing. He also replenishes the repertoire with new musical works.
At the end of the 30s, the premiere of the debut opera took place. We are talking about the musical work "Into the Storm". The main feature of the presented opera was the appearance of Vladimir Lenin in it.
Wartime for Khrennikov was marked without much loss in creativity. He continued to be active. During this period, he mainly composes songs. Then the second symphony appears. Initially, he planned that this work would become the anthem of the youth, but the Second World War made its own adjustments.
His work ideally expressed what the authorities and ordinary citizens of the Soviet Union felt in wartime. His works are imbued with optimism and faith in a brighter future.
Tikhon Khrennikov: activities in the post-war period
For many years, the maestro served as head of the Union of Composers. He had the honor to attend many meetings where members of the Politburo decided the fate of mere mortals. Tikhon's task was to find the best conditions for the development of composers and musicians.
He was an adherent of Stalin's regime of government. He supported him when he "attacked" Soviet musicians and composers. Basically, the leader’s “black list” included avant-garde artists who did not fit into the concept of light communism.
However, in his later interviews, the composer in every possible way denied the fact that he supported Stalin. Tikhon said that he liked the communist ideology. It should be noted that the maestro has many state awards and prizes in his arsenal.
Khrennikov also became famous as a film composer. He has written musical scores for over 30 films. In the 70s, to the delight of his fans, he composed many ballets.
He did not leave his job until the very end. In the new century, he continued to compose waltzes and pieces for the symphony orchestra. Recent works include music for the film "Two Comrades" and the TV series "Moscow Windows".
Details of the composer's personal life
Despite his high position and wealth, he was naturally modest. Tikhon has repeatedly admitted that he is monogamous. All his life he lived with a single woman, whose name was Clara Arnoldovna Waks.
The maestro's wife realized herself as a journalist. It is noteworthy that at the time of their acquaintance, Clara was married. It cannot be said that she was unhappy with her husband, but Tikhon did not give up. The woman refused Khrennikov for a long time, but he did not stop caring for her and still got his way.
She was his muse and the main woman. He dedicated the piece of music "Like a nightingale about a rose" to her. When Clara listened to the composition, she did not praise, but criticized the maestro. On the same evening, he rewrote the work so that it turned out to be a real masterpiece.
They played a magnificent wedding, and soon a daughter was born in the family, who was named Natasha. By the way, she also followed in the footsteps of her creative father. Khrennikov never spared money for his wife and daughter. Whenever possible, he bathed them in gifts and valuables.
Death of Tikhon Khrennikov
He passed away on August 14, 2007. He died in the capital of Russia. The cause of death was a short illness.
