David Vladimirovich (Vulfovich) Ashkenazi (December 25, 1915, Nizhny Novgorod — February 19, 1997, Moscow) was a Soviet and Russian accompanist pianist and composer, People's Artist of Russia (1996). He was born in Nizhny Novgorod into the family of an accountant; he was the father of the pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy.[1]

The Musician's Path

Ashkenazi taught himself to play the piano. From the age of 12 he already provided musical accompaniment for silent films at a movie theater — thus starting out as a tapyor (a silent-film pianist).[1] In 1936 he graduated from music school and entered the Moscow Conservatory.[1]

The greater part of Ashkenazi's creative career was spent as a coach-accompanist and accompanist. He performed with Vadim Kozin, Isabella Yureva, Alla Bayanova, Klavdiya Shulzhenko, Rashid Beybutov, Mark Bernes, Lyudmila Zykina, Valentina Tolkunova, and Iosif Kobzon.[2][1] The artist was on the staff of the Moscow State Concert Association, Moskontsert.[1]

At the same time Ashkenazi worked as a composer: he wrote several songs, the music for the film "Balamut" (1978), and also the romance "Kogda v predchuvstvii razluki" ("When, Foreseeing Parting"), which became widely known.[2]

Recognition

In 1990 Ashkenazi was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR, and in 1996 that of People's Artist of the Russian Federation.[1]

Nizhny Novgorod Roots

Ashkenazi was born in Nizhny Novgorod into the family of an accountant and spent his early years here.[1] His son, the pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy, was also born in the city (then called Gorky) and became one of the greatest musicians of the second half of the twentieth century.

Final Years and Memory

David Ashkenazi died on February 19, 1997. He is buried in Moscow at the Vostryakovo Cemetery.[2]

Sources

  1. cyclowiki.org — Cyclopedia: Lists: Notable Jews of Nizhny Novgorod (archive)
  2. radiopobeda.ru — Ashkenazi, David Vladimirovich
  3. m-necropol.ru — Graves of Celebrities. Necropolises of Moscow. Vostryakovskoye Cemetery. Ashkenazi, David Vladimirovich (1915–1997)
  4. etvnet.com — Composer David Vladimirovich Ashkenazi: Biography and Filmography — Russian TV eTVnet
  5. vostryakovskoekladbishe.ru — Ashkenazi, David Vladimirovich (Vulfovich): Grave — Vostryakovskoye Cemetery
  6. proza.ru — Moscow and Muscovites. Part I. Streets Beginning with O (Alexander Timofeichev Alexandrov) / Proza.ru