Alexei Stanchinsky

Alexei Vladimirovich Stanchinsky (Russian Алексей Владимирович Станчинский; * 9 Märzjul / March 21 1888greg in the village Obolsunowo, Vladimir province, .. .. † 19 Septemberjul / October 2 1914greg near Smolensk ) was a Russian composer and pianist.

Youth and Education

Early on, there was Stantschinskis musical talent. As a six year old, he played his own compositions on the piano, from the age of twelve he received in Moscow private lessons with Josef Lhévinne and Alexander Gretschaninow. After high school he studied at the Moscow Conservatory with Konstantin Igumnov, Sergey Taneyev and Nikolai Zylajew.

Musical work

Stanchinsky wrote his first piano works in the years 1907-1910. Already at that time he was regarded as an outstanding talent. However, he suffered from mental health problems, which is why he spent a year in a mental hospital. After his release, he created his most important works, all for piano: three sonatas, twelve sketches and Preludes in canon form. Stanchinsky tried to connect modality, polyphony and Alexander Scriabin's atonal composition technique with the melodic themes of the tradition of Russian classical music. The piano technique, which presuppose his compositions is extremely difficult. His last performance at the Moscow Conservatory on March 2, 1914 was a great success according to critics.

Stanchinsky died in the fall of 1914 at the age of 26 years in the vicinity of the village Logaschiowo ( near Smolensk ) under mysterious circumstances by drowning.

Non - musical legacy

In addition to his compositions Stanchinsky has also left a literary work. This includes two extensive diaries, drafts of plays, librettos and a large number of poems.