Nicolas Nabokov: A Life in Freedom and Music

Nicolas Nabokov (1903-1978) was a Russian-born American composer, pianist, and conductor. He is best known for his orchestral works, which include the ballet "Union Pacific" (1934),the opera "The Holy Devil" (1955),and the symphony "The Divine Comedy" (1962). Nabokov was also a gifted pianist, and he performed extensively throughout the world.

Nabokov was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1903. His father, Vladimir Nabokov, was a renowned entomologist and writer, and his mother, Elena Ivanovna Rukavishnikova, was a talented musician. Nabokov began studying music at an early age, and he showed great talent as both a pianist and a composer.

Nicolas Nabokov: A Life in Freedom and Music

by Vincent Giroud

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2693 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	562 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In 1919, Nabokov and his family fled Russia during the Russian Revolution. They settled in Berlin, where Nabokov continued his musical studies at the Stern Conservatory. In 1922, Nabokov moved to New York City, where he studied piano with Artur Schnabel and composition with Nadia Boulanger.

Nabokov's career as a composer began in the 1920s. His early works were influenced by the music of Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff. However, Nabokov soon developed his own unique style, which was characterized by its melodic beauty, rhythmic vitality, and harmonic richness.

In the 1930s, Nabokov composed his most famous work, the ballet "Union Pacific." This ballet was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Nabokov as a major composer. In the years that followed, Nabokov continued to compose a wide range of works, including symphonies, concertos, and operas.

Nabokov was also a gifted pianist. He performed extensively throughout the world, and he was known for his sensitive and poetic interpretations of the music of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy. Nabokov also made a number of recordings, which have been praised for their technical brilliance and musical insight.

In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Nabokov was also a respected conductor. He led the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Nabokov was also a dedicated teacher, and he taught composition and piano at the Juilliard School and the Mannes College of Music.

Nabokov died in New York City in 1978. He was 74 years old. Nabokov left behind a legacy of beautiful and enduring music. He was a true master of his craft, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Nicolas Nabokov: A Life in Freedom and Music

This engaging and well-researched biography explores Nabokov's life, career, and musical contributions. Author Patrick J. Smith draws on extensive interviews with Nabokov's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as on a wealth of archival material. The result is a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

Smith's biography sheds new light on Nabokov's early life in Russia, his emigration to the United States, and his development as a composer. Smith also provides a detailed analysis of Nabokov's music, discussing its influences, its structure, and its unique sound.

Nicolas Nabokov: A Life in Freedom and Music is an essential read for anyone interested in the life and work of this great composer. It is a valuable resource for scholars, music lovers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the man and his music.

Nicolas Nabokov: A Life in Freedom and Music

by Vincent Giroud

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2693 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	562 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE