Mossolov, Alexander (Vasilyevich)

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Mossolov, Alexander (Vasilyevich) (b Kiev, 1900; d Moscow, 1973). Russ. composer. Early songs had newspaper advertisements as texts. Was among first proponents of ‘Soviet realism’ under name ‘constructivist music’, e.g. ballet The Factory (1927), which employed metal sheet, shaken in the orch., for realistic effects (perf. also as concert piece under names ‘Music of the Machines’ or ‘Iron foundry’). This was criticized in Russia as ‘decadent’. Mossolov was back in favour during 1941–5 war with patriotic works. Wrote 4 operas; 6 syms. (1928–50); 2 pf. concs. (1927, 1932); vc. conc.; vn. conc.; chamber mus.; and songs.

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