Ivanov, Ianis

Born Sept. 26 (Oct. 9), 1906, in Preili. Soviet composer; People’s Artist of the USSR (1965).

Ivanov graduated in 1931 from the Latvian Conservatory, where he studied composition with J. Vitols, piano with N. Dauge, and conducting with G. Šnēfogts. He worked in the radio service from 1931 to 1961 and as artistic director of music broadcasting of the Latvian SSR since 1945. In the 1930’s he wrote program works, mainly about his native land, including the suite Latgale Lakes (1935) and the symphonic pictures Mountain Under the Skies (1938) and The Rainbow (1938). His best symphonic works are Atlantida (1941) and Latgales (1949; State Prize of the USSR, 1950). Among his other works are 14 symphonies (1933–71), a symphonic suite (1935), a symphonic poem (1957), concerti, quartets, and piano pieces. The musical language of his symphonic works is lyrical, dramatically expressive, and melodious, and it often relies on the natural modes of the Latvian folk song. Ivanov’s music has been evolving toward greater harmonic complexity. He began teaching composition at the Latvian Conservatory in 1944 (professor since 1955). He was a deputy of the third and fourth convocations of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. He was awarded the State Prize of the Latvian SSR (1959 and 1970) and two orders.