Alma Mater
Alma Mater
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Nickolay N.Cherepnin (1873-1945). From archive of cinema and photo documents |
"There were enormous advantages to be had from any contact with him"
(Sergey S.Prokophyev)
The name of the composer Nickolay N.Cherepnin is well known to the musicians and those who love music. He began his creative activities in the end of the 19th century and became the spreader of the new ideas of his time.
N.Cherepnin was born in May 1873 in the doctor’s family. Having entered our High School N6 then, the future composer had all the possibilities to develop his talent. Later in his book “The life of the Musician” Cherepnin wrote, “The building of the Ministry of Public Education housed the High School I entered. The High School was situated on Fontanka embankment near Chernyshov Bridge. The Minister of Public Education Mr. Delyanov often visited the school.
Anna Pavlova and Vatslav Nizhinsky. Ballet "Pavilion Armida" by Nickolay N.Cherepnin
From Theatre Museum archive
I studied history and geography with pleasure. Frankly speaking our teachers were well-bred people, kind-hearted and not angry at all. Most of all we liked Mr.Georgievsky, our tutor and young teacher of Latin. We respected all the teachers, they were honest and competent.
We treated with special respect the Petrov brothers. One of them, Leonid, taught us theology and the other, Konstantin, taught us Russian. The class inspector was one of the mathematicians, Ivan Zelenin.
Sketch scenery for ballet "Pavilion Armida"
While I was studying at this school its principal was Michael V.Pustonsky. He was a kind, friendly and gentle person. After his death Dmitry N.Solovyov ran the school. Our new principal was a good musician and paid great attention to teaching music. He was well known as a composer of religious music and he was the author of many popular church hymns. Our principal demanded that before the studies started we should gather in the Assembly Hall and sing the prayers in a chorus. Our choir was conducted by one of the students. I did this duty often and eagerly. A special choir was organised for church services. Our repertoire increased and became more interesting from a musical point of view and more Russian. It included arrangements done by Dmitry N.Solovyov for choir. In addition Dmitry Solovyov organised a school orchestra. All the students, who were able to play any musical instrument, took part in it. Professor Voyachek conducted the orchestra.
Title list of note publication of ballet "Narciss"
I played the piano and was responsible for our rehearsals. Later I conducted the whole orchestra. That was my first experience as a conductor.
First times of ballet "Narciss"
I remember my school years with gratitude. The High School gave me the basic classical education and opened the doors of the University in front of me. Besides, it educated me and made me choose the profession of musician.”
Nastia Kurkina, 10-b
