Galina Ustvolskaya

Soviet and Russian Avant-Garde Composer

Galina Ustvolskaya (1919–2006) was a Russian composer known for her unique and uncompromising style. She studied under Dmitri Shostakovich at the Leningrad Conservatory, who highly regarded her talent. Ustvolskaya's music is characterized by its intense emotional content, often employing unusual instrumental combinations and a sparse, yet powerful, use of musical material. Her oeuvre includes six piano sonatas, chamber works, and symphonic compositions. Despite facing the challenges of working within the Soviet system, which imposed strict controls over artistic expression, Ustvolskaya developed a distinctive voice that has gained international recognition posthumously. Her works are noted for their spiritual depth and have been described as "music of the last judgement." Ustvolskaya's compositions have been performed worldwide and have attracted a dedicated following among connoisseurs of contemporary classical music.