Biography

Tikhon Nikolaevich Khrennikov was born on June 10, 1913 in Yelets. The future composer was acquainted with music from childhood, when he listened to guitar songs at home. He was undoubtedly fascinated by music and in 1929, he left for Moscow, where he entered the Gnessin Musical College, and then the Moscow Conservatory (the composition class under Vissarion Shebalin – master of composition of the mid-20^th century, and the piano class under Heinrich Neuhaus.

While he was a student, Khrennikov created his First Piano Concerto (1933) and First Symphony (1935) and immediately won the sympathy of listeners and professional musicians. National recognition came to the composer after the release of his music to Shakespeare's comedy "Much Ado About Nothing."

In the late 30’s - early 40’s, the composer turned to cinema. He wrote music for the films "the Struggle Continues" (1938), "Swine-herd and Stableman" (They Met in Moscow, 1941), "Come Back with the Victory" (1941), "At 6 P.M. After the War" (1943-44)

The composer creative activity was very intensive during the Great Patriotic War. He joined the military concert brigade and gave concerts to the defenders of the motherland. Together with the Soviet Army units, Khrennikov went from the Oder to Berlin in the spring of 1945.

In the postwar years, the creative activity of the composer does not fade. In 1948 Khrennikov was elected The General secretary, and since 1957 — the first secretary of the Composers’ Society of the USSR board. During this period he wrote music for the films "The Train goes to the East" (1947), " The Miners of Donetsk" (1950), " Dream of a Cossack" (1950-51), "True Friends" (1954) and " The Captain's Daughter" (1959).

The composer participated public and teaching activities at the Moscow Conservatory since 1961 and continued to create music for movies and television films “Hussar Ballad” (1962), “Dueña” (1978), “Heart Surgery” (1982).

The composer’s unwavering faith in his creative work, his contribution to the musical heritage of the country and his ever-lasting ability to work admire and are worthy of emulation.

Cited from: L. Mikheeva, A. Orelovich. "In the world of operetta”. Leningrad. "Soviet composer". 1982