Roman Matsov

Roman Matsov (Russian Роман Вольдемарович Матсов; * April 27, 1917 in Petrograd, Russia, † August 24, 2001 in Tallinn, Estonia) was an Estonian conductor and violinist deutschbaltischer origin.

Life and Music

Roman Matsov graduated in 1940 his studies in piano from ( at Theodor Lemba ) and violin ( in the class of John Paulsen ) at the Tallinn Conservatory. From 1938 to 1940 he worked as a violinist with the Symphony Orchestra of the Estonian Radio (Estonian Riigi Ringhäälingu Sümfooniaorkester ) busy. At Georg Kulenkampff and Walter Gieseking in Berlin and at the Leningrad Conservatory, he made continuing, also as conductor.

During the Second World War Matsov founded with other Estonian musicians in Yaroslavl behind the front an Estonian Symphony Orchestra. With the occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union Matsov returned to his home in the fall of 1944. He Russified his name and joined the Red Army. When fighting around Leningrad against Finnish units he was wounded in the right arm, the mobility of the fingers from then on remained limited. Matsov was taken to Yaroslavl, where he married the Armenian violinist Asmik Agekjan.

1946 novel won the Matsov Union competition for young conductors in Leningrad, the second prize. It was in the aftermath of one of the respected conductors of the Estonian SSR. From 1947 until his death was Matsov lecturer at the State Tallinn Conservatory, from 1977 with the title of professor. Among his most famous students include Peeter Lilje, Tõnu Kaljuste, Jüri and Arvo Volmer Alperten.

From 1950 to 1963 he was chief conductor of the Estonian Radio Symphony Orchestra, which he developed into one of the leading symphony of the USSR. He, conducted by 1944 until 1988. Numerous concert tours have taken the orchestra Matsov and also abroad.

The close and trusting contact with Shostakovich have shaped his life and work. In Matsovs estate, there are numerous autographs Shostakovich and others in the Soviet Union that have become unpopular composers who has Matsov supported.

Awards

1954 Matsov received the title of " Merited Artist of the Estonian SSR ". In 1967 the award " National Artist of the Estonian SSR " he was awarded.