Hey Kids, Dmitri Kabalevsky | Composer Biography

from the Hey Kid's Meet the Composer Index

Dmitri Kabalevsky was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia on December 30, 1904. As a young boy, Dmitri was encouraged by his father, a mathematician, to study mathematics. His interests, however, drew him to the arts. Eventually, he became an accomplished pianist with interests in poetry and painting. He even spent three years as a theater pianist playing for silent films.

Kabalevsky's most important contribution to music is perhaps his effort to connect children to music. His "Twenty-Four Little Pieces" for piano solo is an example of the music he composed with the intention of bridging the gap between children's technical skills and musical aesthetics. He also led a music education pilot program in twenty-five Soviet schools.

Kabalevsky died on February 14, 1987. In spite of Russia's control over its composers and artists, Kabalevsky managed to build a successful career for himself.

Watch a Video

Watch a performance of Kabalevsky's Overture to "Colas Breugnon".

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