Salih Saidashev

Salih Zamaletdinovich Saidashev (1900-1954) is a forefather of Tatar professional musical arts. He was born in Kazan and got his education at Kazan Musical College. During the Civil War he served in the Red Army and proved to be a remarkable organiser of amateur musical activities amongst the soldiers.

Saidashev began his career as a music composer in 1922. He was the first Tatar composer who used an orchestra and choir, as well as instrumental ensemble, in his music. He enriched the pentatonic scale with unique features and mixed forms of Russian and Western European music with Tatar folklore. Saidashev studied at the Moscow Conservatoire from 1934 to 1938. After returning to Kazan, he composed music for new performances at the Tatar Academic Theatre and wrote lyrical songs. He also performed as a conductor.

Salih Saidashev proved the possibility of successfully using symphonic and other musical forms with Tatar music. These innovations, which enriched Tatar national art, were enthusiastically accepted by the audience. From 1928 to 1954, Saidashev lived in the out-building at 13, Gorky Street. There is a memorial inscription on the building now.

Saidashev is buried at the Tatar cemetery in Kazan.

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