Galina Ustvolskaya, born Galina Ivanovna Ustvolskaya, was a Russian composer of classical music known for her stern and unyielding musical style. Born in 1919, Ustvolskaya studied at the Leningrad Conservatory from 1937 to 1947, where she honed her distinctive compositional voice. Her works, which span various ensembles from solo pieces to large orchestral compositions, have garnered both admiration and controversy for their uncompromising nature. Ustvolskaya's reclusive lifestyle and steadfast artistic principles, as exemplified by her quote, 'We should only play music that is genuine and strong,' have only added to her enigmatic allure. Despite decades of neglect, her music has gained a dedicated following in recent years, with her piano sonatas and other works receiving critical acclaim. Ustvolskaya's compositions, marked by their radical resistance and musical brilliance, continue to captivate audiences and inspire new interpretations.
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