Vasily Kalinnikov, a Russian composer born in 1866, is remembered for his deeply lyrical and emotionally resonant works that evoke the beauty of Russian folk music and traditions. Despite his tragically short life—he passed away at the age of 34 from tuberculosis—Kalinnikov left behind a legacy of compositions that reflect his melodic genius and romantic sensibility. Below are five of his most celebrated works that continue to captivate listeners today.
Vasily Sergeyevich Kalinnikov was born on January 13, 1866, in Voina, a small village in the Oryol region of Russia. Born into a peasant family, Kalinnikov's talent for music was recognized early on. Despite the financial challenges his family faced, they encouraged his musical pursuits. At the age of nine, he started playing the balalaika and later joined the village church choir, where his musical abilities blossomed.
His talent soon caught the attention of Alexander Kopylov, a prominent conductor and composer, who arranged for Kalinnikov to study at the Moscow Conservatory. Under the tutelage of renowned composers such as Sergei Taneyev and Anton Arensky, Kalinnikov honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for Russian folk music and the works of Tchaikovsky.