Vasyl Barvinsky

Vasyl Oleksandrovych Barvinsky (Ukrainian: Василь Олександрович Барвінський) (20 February 1888 – 9 June 1963) was a Ukrainian composer, pianist, conductor, teacher, musicologist, and music related social figure.

Barvinsky was one of the first Ukrainian composers to gain worldwide recognition. His pieces were published not only in the Soviet Union, but also in Vienna, Leipzig, New York (Universal Edition), and Japan. Barvinsky directed a post-secondary musical institution in the city of Lviv (1915-1948), and was considered to be the head of musical life at the time. Currently there is a College of Music named after Barvinsky in Drohobych city of Ukraine.

Vasyl Barvinsky was born in Ternopil, on 20 February 1888. Barvinsky descended from an older aristocratic family. Barvinsky's father, Oleksander Barvinsky, was famous Ukrainian pedagogue, politician, and public figure. In 1917 he was appointed a member of the Austrian upper chamber. Vasyl's mother, singer and pianist, became his first music teacher.

Barvinsky gained professional music education in Lviv conservatory. Barvinsky continued his music education in Prague. Among his teachers were Vilém Kurz (piano), and Vítězslav Novák (composition).

Barvinsky has written about 30 works. Barvinsky’s compositions are said to be impressive by their “… matureness’, thoughtfulness and delicacy”. Barvinsky composed in various genres except ballet and opera. His style, late romantic with impressionistic features, was also strongly influenced by Ukrainian folklore. Although many of Barvinsky's works were lost, most of his creative inheritance remained and is performed worldwide.

"Ukrainian Rhapsody" (Ukrayinska Rapsodiya - Українська рапсодія)
Piano cycle "Love" (Liubov - Любов)
Piano Sonata in C sharp minor
Piano Trio in A minor
Piano Preludes
Piano Concerto in F minor
Five miniatures on Ukrainian folk themes
Cycle for piano "Koliadky i Shchedrivky" (Колядки і щедрівки)
Piano collection for children: "Our Sun is Playing Piano" (Nashe Sonechko Hraye na Fortepiano - Наше сонечко грає на фортепіано)
"Ukrainian Suite" (Ukrayinska syuyita - Українська сюїта)
"Lemkiv's Suite" (Lemkivshchyna) (Lemkivska syuyita - Лемківська сюїта)
"Lemkiv's Dances" (Lemkivski tantsi - Лемківські танці)
Choir miniature: "The Sun is Already Down" (Uzhe sonechko zakotylosia - Уже Сонечко Закотилося)

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Wikipedia