Composers Datebook®

Reinhold Gliere

Composers Datebook for June 23, 2016

Synopsis

Today we remember the Russian composer Reinhold Glière, who died in Moscow on today’s date in 1956. These days Glière is probably best known for the popular “Russian Sailor’s Dance” from his ballet “The Red Poppy.”

Glière was born in Kiev in 1875, and studied at the Moscow Conservatory, where he later became professor of composition. That was after the Russian Revolution, and Glière could count among his students Sergei Prokofiev and Nikolai Miaskovsky. With the success of works like “The Red Poppy,” Glière is often cited as the founder of Soviet ballet.

Glière also wrote several symphonies, all intensely Russian in color and character. The most famous of these is his Third, subtitled “Ilya Murometz” after a legendary Russian folk hero.

Glière was also intrigued by the folk music of the far eastern republics of the then USSR, incorporating folk themes from the Soviet Union’s Trans-Caucus and Central Asian peoples into some of his orchestral scores.

He was a very prolific composer, but apart from a handful of very popular works, most of Glière's operas, ballets and orchestral works remain largely unfamiliar to most music lovers in the West.

Music Played in Today's Program

Reinhold Glière (1875 – 1956) Russian Sailors' Dance, from The Red Poppy Philadelphia Orchestra; Eugene Ormandy, cond. BMG 63313

Reinhold Glière Symphony No. 3 (Ilya Murometz) London Symphony; Leon Botstein, cond. Telarc 80609

On This Day

Births

  • 1824 - German pianist and composer Carl Reinecke, in Altona;

Deaths

  • 1956 - Soviet composer Reinhold Glière, age 80, in Moscow;

Premieres

  • 1972 - David Ward-Steinman: "Sonata for Piano Fortified," by Gary Wolf at the University of South Florida, Tampa;

  • 1982 - Persichetti: Harpsichord Sonata No. 2, in Cleveland, by harpsichordist Elaine Comparone.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Composers Datebook® Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Composers Datebook® Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

About Composers Datebook®

Host John Birge presents a daily snapshot of composers past and present, with timely information, intriguing musical events and appropriate, accessible music related to each.

He has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.

About Composers Datebook®
<!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE-->