Born: 1904, Novocherkassk, RussiaDied: 1972, Repino, Russia

The son of gifted musicians, Gavriil Popov was a wild talent who always sparked critical and ideological argument. Although he was an active member of all the musical organizations in Leningrad, including the Union of Composers, and won many state prizes and honors, he was also regularly condemned by various authorities, beginning when he was purged from the Leningrad Conservatory as a "hopeless" student in 1924. He composed six important symphonies and a substantial body of piano music - he was a virtuoso performer himself - as well as major theater and film scores.

Further listening:

Symphony No. 1, Op. 7 (1927-1934)

London Symphony, Leon Botstein (Telarc)

04/07