Abstract

In the twentieth century, the Russian Soviet composer and educator D. B. Kabalevsky (1904–1987) was one of the most significant arts educators and advocate. Kabalevsky’s life spanned most of the major events that marked twentieth century Russian and Soviet history. As a composer, Kabalevsky is closely associated with Khachaturian, Khrennikov, Prokofiev and Shostakovich. As a music educator, his contribution stands alongside Kodály, Orff, Suzuki and Dalcroze. Like each of these composers, Kabalevsky left a rich and incisive legacy of compositions and writings. His compositions ranged from symphonies, concertos, operas and ballets through to songs and piano works for children. Kabalevsky was an articulate composer and educator. He could identify an issue and clearly demonstrate how to deal with it musically and educationally. Kabalevsky the educator, artist, philosopher, politician and administrator was able to bring together the many aspects of his life for the promotion and development of the future generations of his country and humanity more generally. There are many dimensions of Kabalevsky’s extraordinary life, and the inherent interrelationships between the various aspects of his work and life are clearly demonstrated in his writings. They provide us with a great deal to consider and ponder, particularly as we apply some of the thinking to our own practice.