The Man Who Played the Kremlin's Tune

Fairclough, P. (Speaker)

Department of Music

Activity: Other activity types › Media coverage or participation

Description

Author and broadcaster, Lucy Ash uncovers the contradictions of a man who thrived under a system that crushed others. Featuring contributions from experts Marina Frolova-Walker and Pauline Fairclough, persecuted composer Elena Firsova, and world-renowned concert pianist Evgeny Kissin - who knew and admired Khrennikov. Lucy asks whether Tikhon Khrennikov was a true believer, a manipulator, or a reluctant accomplice in Soviet repression, a survivor.

Period	21 Sept 2025
Held at	BBC Radio 3, United Kingdom
Degree of Recognition	International

Keywords

Soviet music
Khrennikov

Documents & Links

The Man Who Played The Kremlin's Tune Sunday Feature Tikhon Khrennikov was the most powerful - and controversial - figure of 20th century Soviet music. For over 40 years, he led the Union of Soviet Composers, a role for which he was handpicked by Stalin himself. Not simply a bureaucrat, Khrennikov played a double role: composing bright, accessible tunes celebrated by the regime, while condemning his peers Shostakovich and Prokofiev to the point of career ruin. Author and broadcaster, Lucy Ash uncovers the contradictions of a man who thrived under a system that crushed others. Featuring contributions from experts Marina Frolova-Walker and Pauline Fairclough, persecuted composer Elena Firsova, and world-renowned concert pianist Evgeny Kissin - who knew and admired Khrennikov. Lucy asks whether Tikhon Khrennikov was a true believer, a manipulator, or a reluctant accomplice in Soviet repression, a survivor