Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov 1859 – 1935

Biography

Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov was born on November 19, 1859, in Gatchina, Russia, during a period of rich cultural development in the nation. He would dedicate his life to music across multiple disciplines, becoming a composer of note, a conductor, and an influential voice in Russian musical scholarship. His career spanned one of the most transformative periods in Russian history, witnessing the empire’s evolution into the Soviet state.

Throughout his professional life, Ippolitov-Ivanov distinguished himself as not only a creator of musical works but also as a conductor and dedicated music educator. His multifaceted contributions to Russian musical life reflected a deep commitment to advancing the art form through performance, composition, and the transmission of musical knowledge to new generations. He worked to shape the musical landscape of his era through these interconnected roles.

Ippolitov-Ivanov passed away on January 28, 1935, in Moscow, bringing to a close a life of substantial artistic achievement. His legacy was recognized with his burial at Novodevichy Cemetery in the Khamovniki District, one of Russia’s most prestigious final resting places, reserved for figures of cultural and historical significance. His contributions to Russian music continue to represent an important chapter in the nation’s artistic heritage.