Leokadiya Kashperova: Biography, 'Memoirs' and 'Recollections of Anton Rubinstein'

Leokadiya Kashperova was a Russian composer of the early twentieth century who was highly regarded by Rimsky-Korsakov, César Cui, and Balakirev. This Element is the result of twenty years of research and includes a new edition of her compositions, her Memoirs and Recollections of Anton Rubinstein, and a Biography. It aims to restore Kashperova to her rightful place in music history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 82 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Leokadiya Kashperova, a renowned composer of romantic music, garnered immense admiration from prominent figures in the world of music, including Rimsky-Korsakov, César Cui, and Balakirev. Her exceptional talent was evident as she premiered and recorded numerous compositions by these influential composers. In 1907, Kashperova achieved a significant milestone by performing her own compositions to critical acclaim in prestigious venues such as Leipzig, Berlin, and London. Tragically, her life came to an end in 1940, following the 1917 Revolution. However, her remarkable legacy of fine music was largely forgotten, relegated to historical anonymity and oblivion.

This Element represents the culmination of twenty years of diligent research, culminating in eight study-visits to St. Petersburg, Moscow, and the Yaroslavl/Kostroma region. It is a groundbreaking endeavor, as it presents the first-ever written biography on Kashperova. Additionally, her Memoirs and Recollections of Anton Rubinstein, previously unavailable in translation, are now made accessible to a broader audience. Accompanied by a new edition of her compositions published by Boosey & Hawkes in London, this Element aims to restore Kashperova to her rightful place in music history as Russia's foremost female composer of the early twentieth century.

Kashperova's life and career were marked by her unwavering dedication to music. Born in St. Petersburg in 1869, she began her musical journey at a young age, studying piano with renowned teachers. Her talent and passion for music quickly emerged, and she soon gained recognition as a promising young composer.

Throughout her career, Kashperova collaborated with some of the most influential musicians of her time, including Rimsky-Korsakov, César Cui, and Balakirev. Her compositions showcased her unique style, characterized by her use of rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and expressive rhythms. Her works often reflected the emotional depth and complexity of her personality, making them deeply personal and relatable to her listeners.

Despite her achievements, Kashperova faced challenges and obstacles throughout her life. She was a woman in a male-dominated field, and her gender often worked against her. However, she refused to let societal norms hinder her pursuit of music and continued to compose and perform with unwavering determination.

In 1907, Kashperova performed her own compositions to critical acclaim in Leipzig, Berlin, and London. Her performance of "The Seasons" in Leipzig, in particular, received widespread praise and solidified her reputation as a talented composer.

However, the 1917 Revolution brought about significant changes in Kashperova's life and career. Following her death in 1940, her name was largely forgotten, and her fine music was overshadowed by the political turmoil of the time. It was not until the late 20th century that her legacy began to be rediscovered and celebrated.

The restoration of Kashperova to her rightful place in music history is the driving force behind this Element. It aims to shed light on her life and work, highlight her contributions to the world of music, and promote her as a significant figure in the history of Russian music. Through the publication of her biography, the translation of her memoirs and recollections, and the presentation of her compositions in a new edition, this Element seeks to bring Kashperova's music to a wider audience and inspire future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Leokadiya Kashperova's romantic compositions were highly regarded by Rimsky-Korsakov, César Cui, and Balakirev, and her own compositions received critical acclaim in Leipzig, Berlin, and London. Despite facing challenges and adversity, her legacy of fine music was largely forgotten after her death in 1940. This Element, through twenty years of research and dedication, aims to restore Kashperova to her rightful place in music history as Russia's foremost female composer of the early twentieth century. By presenting her biography, memoirs, and compositions in a new edition, this Element seeks to bring her music to a wider audience and inspire future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

ISBN-13: 9781009097239