Blumenfeld, Felix Mikhailovich

Blumenfeld, Felix (1863-1931), Russian pianist, conductor, teacher, composer. Born in the village Kovalevka (Kherson Province) 7 (19) April 1863 in the family music teacher and French. Up to 12 years he studied with G. Neuhaus (father H. Neuhaus), which was brought Blumenfeld relative. In 1881-1885 he studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory FF Stein (piano) and Rimsky-Korsakov (composition). With 17 years was a regular member assembly association of composers 'Mighty Handful', then joined the Belaiev circle (a group of composers headed by Rimsky-Korsakov, collected on the musical evenings at home patron MP Beliaev).

As a pianist Blumenfeld was formed under the influence of art Rubinstein and Mily Balakirev. Debuting in 1887, actively giving concerts in the cities of Russia, was the first performer of a number of works by Glazunov, Liadov, AK, Mily Balakirev, Tchaikovsky, performed in ensemble with LS Auer, A . V. Verzhbilovich, P. Sarasate, FIShalyapin. In 1895-1911 he worked at the Mariinsky Theater, was the concertmaster, and from 1898 - the conductor, directed the premiere of "Servilia" and "Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh" by Rimsky-Korsakov. He played in the 'Russian symphony concerts' in St. Petersburg (in 1906 conducted the first performance in Russia, the Third Symphony Scriabin). European fame brought Blumenfeld part in the 'Historic Russian Concerts' (1907) and 'Russian Seasons' (1908) of Sergei Diaghilev in Paris.

In 1885-1905 and 1911-1918 Blumenfeld taught at the St. Petersburg (from 1897 a professor), in 1920-1922 - in the Kiev Conservatory, and in 1918-1920 headed the Musical and Drama Institute. N. Lysenko in Kiev in 1922 led the piano and chamber ensemble at the Moscow Conservatory. The disciples were pianists Blumenfeld SB Barer, B. S. Horowitz, M. I. Greenberg, conductor AVGauk. In 1927 he was awarded the title of "Honored Artist of the RSFSR '

. In Heritage Blumenfeld, composer - Symphony "In memory of dear departed", . "Concert Allegro for Piano and Orchestra", . Suite "Spring for voice and orchestra", . Quartet (Belyaevskaya Prize, . 1898); occupy a special place piano pieces (about 100, . including sketches, . prelude, . ballad) and romances (50), . created in line with the romantic tradition,
.

Blumenfeld died in Moscow on January 21, 1931.