Edison Denisov 1929 - 1996

Edison Denisov was a strikingly innovative Russian composer of Siberian extraction * A leading figure of the post-Shostakovich generation and a hugely influential teacher * Gravitated towards European models like Boulez and Ligeti as well as to the French aesthetic of Debussy and Messiaen * His modernist leanings provoked severe official disapproval, but he stayed loyal to his Russian roots including sweet romantic melodies of Glinka and confessional psycho-dramas of Shostakovich * Style is refined, ornately detailed and elaborate, at the same time romantic and melancholy, creating rich play with elaborate chromatic textures and micro-polyphony * A master of colourful instrumentation in such works as Peinture, and skills used to complete pieces by Schubert, Musorgsky, Debussy and Mosolov * Works for leading soloists including Heinz Holliger, Aurèle Nicolet, Gidon Kremer and Yuri Bashmet

Works by Edison Denisov include:
La Vie en Rouge (1975) Chamber cantata for voice and ensemble
Flute Concerto (1975) for flute and chamber orchestra
Requiem (1980) for soloists, chorus and orchestra

Works by Denisov are represented by Boosey & Hawkes in the UK, British Commonwealth (excluding Canada) and the Republic of Ireland


"I love to write quiet, beautiful music" — Edison Denisov