Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Composer and professor Felix Yanov-Yanovsky, who held the honorary title of Honoured Artist of Uzbekistan, died in Tashkent on 12 October at the age of 92. The Union of Composers and Bakhshis of Uzbekistan announced his death.
Yanov-Yanovsky was born in the Uzbek capital in 1934.
He initially studied violin under Naum Bronfman and graduated from the Tashkent State Conservatory in 1957. Two years later, he completed his composition studies under Boris Nadezhdin.
During his student years, Yanov-Yanovsky performed with the drama theatre orchestra, the State Symphony Orchestra and the Uzbek Radio string quartet.
In 1961, he began teaching at the Tashkent Conservatory. In 1988, he was awarded the title of professor and the honorary title of Honoured Artist of Uzbekistan.
Yanov-Yanovsky’s creative legacy includes nine operas, four ballets, five symphonies, instrumental concertos, and works for chamber ensembles, voice and choir.
Among his best-known works are the operas “The Orchestra” and “The Accompanist,” the ballet “Urashima Taro” and his “Requiem.”
He also composed music for 60 films, including animated films such as “There Will Come Soft Rains,” as well as for 15 theatrical productions.
Yanov-Yanovsky’s music was performed outside Uzbekistan, including in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United States, Japan and other countries. His works received recognition at international competitions and festivals.
In an obituary published by Kultura.uz, musicologist Inessa Gulzarova highlighted the broad range of the composer’s creative interests.
He worked across a variety of genres, from symphonic and operatic music to chamber works and popular songs.
His compositions combined national folk motifs with modern artistic approaches, while his subtle treatment of timbre and intonation helped create a distinctive sound atmosphere.
Among the authors whose works inspired the composer were Alexander Pushkin, Oscar Wilde, Émile Verhaeren, Matsuo Bashō and Federico García Lorca.
Yanov-Yanovsky also made a significant contribution to music education.
According to Gulzarova, his teaching helped several generations of musicians develop their individuality and find their own creative paths.
The Union of Composers and Bakhshis of Uzbekistan expressed its condolences to the composer’s family and loved ones, students and colleagues.
