Nazib Gaiazovich Zhiganov

Born Jan. 2 (15), 1911, in Ural’sk. Soviet composer. People’s Artist of the USSR (1957). Member of the CPSU since 1944.

Zhiganov graduated in 1938 from the course in composition taught by G. I. Litinskii at the Moscow Conservatory. In 1945 he began working as a rector and teacher at the Kazan Conservatory; he became a professor there in 1953. Heroism from the historical past is the main subject matter of his works. He wrote the first Tatar operas based on themes from contemporary life. He composed eight operas, three ballets, four symphonies, and other works. Among his best works are the operas Kachkyn (The Fugitive, produced in 1939), Altyncha (The Golden-haired Girl, 1941; State Prize of the USSR, 1948), and DzhalW (1957); a suite based on Tatar themes (1949; State Prize of the USSR, 1950); the overture Naflsa (1952); and Symphony No. 2, Sabantui (1968; State Prize of the USSR, 1970). He was a deputy to the seventh convocation of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Zhiganov has been awarded the Order of Lenin and three other orders, as well as medals.