Pakhmutova, Alexandra (1929–)

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Pakhmutova, Alexandra (1929–)

Russian composer. Name variations: Alexandra Nikolaievna Pakhmutova. Born in Beketovka, near Stalingrad, USSR (now Volgograd, Russia), Nov 9, 1929; graduate of Moscow Conservatory, 1953; continued post-graduate work at the conservatory, concentrating on composition studies with Vladimir Shebalin.

Premiered her bouncy Trumpet Concerto in Moscow (1955), a work that became immensely popular in USSR; wrote popular urban ballads, songs alluding to pressing Soviet problems but which praised Soviet achievements (1960s–70s); wrote Lenin is in Our Hearts, a suite for narrator, children's chorus and orchestra (1957). Named "Artist of the USSR" (1977).

See also Women in World History.