Boris Lyatoshynsky

BACKGROUND TO…

(1895-1968)

Composer of five symphonies, chamber, instrumental, choral works and an opera, Boris Lyatoshynsky was born in Ukraine and cut his teeth at the Kiev Conservatory. A relatively latestarter – taking up piano lessons aged 14 – he went on to win no less than two Stalin State Prizes. His musical style, influenced by western Romanticism, expressionism and folk-song, meant he found himself – like so many other artists – having to tread carefully under the watchful eyes and ears of the state. He went on to become a respected music professor in both Kiev and Moscow.