Mansur Muzafarov

Composer Mansur Muzafarov is one of founders of the Tatar professional music. He was born on March 6, 1902, in Kazan, in a family of a mullah. His father died very early; therefore his mother had the greatest influence on the formation of his outlook. His mother, Mahrui Muzaffariya, was a teacher at a Tatar women’s school and a well-known poetess.

Mansur received his elementary education in a madressa, and in 1916, transferred to a teacher's school. Mansur learned early on to play different musical instruments, and together with S. Saidashev, participated in instrumental ensembles. Muzafarov then went to the Kazan musical school. In 1923, he was directed to the Moscow Conservatory for the continuation of his formation. Upon completion at the conservatory, Muzafarov worked from 1931 to 1934 as the musical editor for the Tatar Radio Committee.

From 1934 to 1938, he studied in Moscow in the Tatar Opera Studio at the conservatory, and taught in the Bashkir Opera Studio. He returned to Kazan in 1938, and from 1939 worked at the opera and ballet theatre, as an editor for radio, and as a teacher at the Kazan conservatory. Later he became a senior lecturer and managing chair of compositions.

The composer began his career by doing renditions of national songs. By the beginning of the 1930’s, Muzafarov already was the author of an overture and a suite for a symphonic orchestra, some songs and romantic ballads. His songs, “Sing, Nightingale,” using M. Sadri's words, “Berries,” using M. Jalil's verses, along with others, deservedly received wide popularity.

Muzafarov took an active part in the development of new Tatarstan musicals and operas. He wrote the operas, "Galijabanu,” and, “Zulhabira.”

The extensive creativity of Muzafarov included symphonic music, the genre he worked extensively in for many years. His most important work of the composer are the symphonic poems devoted to the memory of G. Tukay and M. Vahitov, for which Muzafarov was awarded in 1959 the G. Tukay State award of Tatarstan. In 1964, he was given the honorary title, “National Actor of the ТАССР.”

M. Muzafarov's creative heritage is huge. He is the author of two operas, symphonic and chamber-instrumental works: symphonies, suites based on national songs for string quartets, solos for violin with piano, solos for piano and wind instruments, vocal works, records and renditions of national songs.

M. Muzafarov died on November 20, 1966, in Kazan.

Last updated: 10 October 2012, 13:01

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