(Borisovich), noted Russian composer;b. St. Petersburg, Dec. 30, 1904; d. Moscow, Feb. 14, 1987. When he was 14, Kabalevsky's family moved to Moscow, where he received his primary musical education at the Scriabin Music School from 1919 to 1925. He also studied music theory privately, and in 1925 he entered the Moscow Conservatory in composition and piano. In 1932 he was appointed instructor in composition there, and in 1939 a full professor. Through his long career, Kabalevsky developed many methods of music education that became widely adopted in the Soviet Union, and he served on several government committees on music education.

As a pianist, composer, and conductor, Kabalevsky made guest appearances in Europe and the U.S. His music is typical of the Russian school of composition in its Soviet period. His melodic writing is marked by broad DIATONIC melodies invigorated by an energetic rhythmic pulse. While adhering to basic tonality, his harmony is apt to be rich in euphonious DISSONANCES.

A prolific composer, Kabalevsky wrote in all musical genres. In his operas he successfully reflected both the lyrical and the dramatic aspects of the librettos. Typical of the period, several of these operas were based on Soviet subjects that were acceptable to the government. His instrumental writing was functional, taking into consideration the capacities of the instruments.

In addition to his operas, Kabalevsky's compositions include orchestral works, including four symphonies (1932; 1934; 1934; 1956, The Comedians); two string quartets (1928, 1945), many piano works, including children's pieces; vocal works including numerous school songs and choruses; a requiem for voices and orchestra (Moscow, 1963); an oratorio, A Letter to the 30th Century (1970); incidental music for plays; and film scores.