Aleksandr I. Zagorinskiy

Alexander Igorevich Zagorinsky was born in Moscow in 1962. He graduated from the Central Music School at the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory (1981), the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory (1986), and completed his postgraduate assistantship (1988) under Professor Natalia Shakhovskaya.

He is a laureate of the All-Union Competition of Performers (Chisinau, 1985, 2nd prize), the 8th International Chamber Music Competition in Trapani, Italy (3rd prize), and the 9th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow (1990, 6th prize).

In 1987, he won a competitive audition to join the cello section of the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Moscow State Philharmonic.

From 1991 to 2000, A. Zagorinsky served as the principal cellist of the cello section of the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Moscow State Philharmonic. During this period, he regularly performed with the orchestra under the baton of its artistic director, V. S. Sinaisky. His performances included cello concertos by R. Schumann and D. Shostakovich, the solo cello part in R. Strauss’s Don Quixote, Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, and Brahms’s Concerto for Violin and Cello.

From 2000 to 2007, he was the principal cellist of the State Academic Chamber Orchestra of Russia, which was led at the time by pianist and conductor Constantine Orbelian.

Alexander Zagorinsky combined his orchestral work with a concert career at the Moscow State Philharmonic and pedagogical activities.

In 1999, A. I. Zagorinsky began teaching cello at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music.

In 2007, A. I. Zagorinsky transitioned to a full-time teaching position at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music. He currently leads a cello class at both the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music and the Gnesin College of Music.

Alexander Zagorinsky is an active concert performer with a vast solo and ensemble repertoire spanning classical, romantic, and contemporary music. A significant part of his performance career is dedicated to the interpretation of music by late 20th-century and contemporary composers. He has been the first performer of many works by E. Denisov, V. Dashkevich, Y. Kasparov, A. Shchetinsky, J. Appleton, T. Smirnova, V. Ryabov, A. Zhurbin, V. Chernelevsky, V. Biktashev, V. Panin, O. Viktorova, M. Petukhov, and A. Shmitov.

A. I. Zagorinsky was the first to perform Nikolai Kapustin’s Cello Concerto No. 2 with a chamber orchestra, as well as two sonatas (the Second Sonata is dedicated to Zagorinsky), the pieces «Elegy», «Burlesque», and «Almost Waltz», «Introduction» and «Scherzino» for solo cello, a suite for solo cello, a duet for alto saxophone and cello, and the cello parts in many of Nikolai Kapustin’s chamber ensembles.

The artist has performed with leading orchestras under the baton of V. Sinaisky, Y. Simonov, M. Ermler, F. Glushchenko, V. Ziva, K. Orbelyan, R. Nigamatullin, and other conductors.

Together with pianist and organist A. Shmitov, he has recorded a number of CDs featuring works by S. Rachmaninoff, A. Tansman, and E. Denisov, as well as an album of works by Franck, Debussy, Reger, and Respighi, and sonatas by Marcello and Vivaldi with organ, among others.

A special place in A. I. Zagorinsky’s career is held by his creative partnership with the Norwegian pianist and professor Einar Steen-Nøkleberg. The musicians have performed repeatedly at the Small Hall and Rachmaninoff Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, as well as in Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Smolensk, Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Anapa, Novorossiysk, and other cities. The duo has also performed at the Hanover University of Music, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, in St. Gallen, and at the Grieg festivals in Bergen and Oslo. Together, the musicians have recorded the sonatas of Grieg and Rachmaninoff, works by Schumann and Pfitzner, and the cello and piano sonatas of Brahms and Mendelssohn.

In 2014, A. Zagorinsky and Steen-Nøkleberg performed programs featuring works by young contemporary composers, first at the contemporary music festival in Oslo and subsequently at the «Moscow Autumn» festival at the Composers’ House in Moscow. That same year, they recorded a CD of works by Schubert and Chopin for the Melodiya label.

In 2016, a five-CD box set dedicated to the music of J. S. Bach was released. The album features the six cello suites for solo cello, the six French suites for piano, and the three sonatas for cello and keyboard.

At the end of 2020, the musicians released a digital album containing all of L. van Beethoven’s sonatas for cello and piano. In 2024, an album of Max Reger’s music for cello and piano was released, featuring four sonatas and three suites for solo cello.

The cellist has performed numerous concerts and made many recordings with distinguished Russian musicians, including A. Shmitov, M. Evseeva, N. Zagorinskaya, Y. Turkina, V. Chernelevsky, O. Priz, and D. Khakhamov.

Alexander Zagorinsky is an active participant in the concert life of the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music. He performs in departmental concerts and festivals organized by People’s Artist of Russia, Professor V. Tonkha, gives solo recitals in the Academy’s chamber halls, and performs with student orchestras, including symphony, folk, and bayan and accordion orchestras. He collaborates with distinguished musicians such as A. Koshvanets, A. Diev, V. Ziva, A. Lebedev, R. Kaneev, and many others.

Alexander Zagorinsky regularly gives masterclasses, participates in various international music festivals, and serves as a jury member for numerous Russian and international competitions. 

Recognition and Awards:

• Honored Artist of the Russian Federation (January 27, 1995) — for services in the field of art;
• Laureate of the All-Union Competition of Performing Musicians (cello) — Chisinau, 1985, 2nd Prize;
• Laureate of the 8th International Chamber Music Competition (cello and piano) — Trapani, Italy, 1988, 3rd Prize;
• Laureate of the 9th International Tchaikovsky Competition (cello) — Moscow, 1990, 6th Prize;
• Associate Professor (Docent) of the Cello, Double Bass, and Harp Department (Order of the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science, No. 341/95, dated February 17, 2010);
• Veteran of Labor (January 19, 2015);
• Professor of Musical Art (Order of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, No. 132/nk-1, dated February 2, 2018);
• Letter of Gratitude from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for significant contributions to the development of culture and active participation in the preparation and conduct of the 1st All-Russian Music Competition (2010, 2011). Order No. 472-vn, dated April 23, 2012, Moscow;
• Order of Friendship (November 17, 2007);
• Medal «In Commemoration of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow» (February 26, 1997).

Published Works

Sheet Music Editions:

• T. Smirnova: Partita for Cello and Piano, Op. 72, No. 2. Cello part edited by A. Zagorinsky. — Moscow: Muzyka, 2011. — ISBN 978-5-7140-1215-0;
• V. Dashkevich: Sonata for Cello and Piano. Edited by A. Zagorinsky. — Moscow: Muzyka, 2012. — 48 p. — ISBN 979-706380-76-6;
• N. Kapustin: Suite for Solo Cello, Op. 12. Edited by A. Zagorinsky. — Moscow: Muzyka, 2013. — ISBN 979-0-66006-053-7;
• A. Piatti: 12 Caprices for Solo Cello, Op. 25; «Souvenir de La Traviata» for Cello and Piano, Op. 20 (educational manual with accompanying audio CD). — Moscow: Kompozitor, 2017. — SBN 979-0-706431-81-9;
• CONCERTO FOR VIOLA AND ORCHESTRA. PIANO REDUCTION. WITH AN APPENDIX OF THE CELLO PART TRANSCRIBED BY A. I. ZAGORINSKY. SHEET MUSIC, 2nd ED., EXPANDED. Ed. V. M. Blok. Publisher: Planeta Muzyki. Year: 2020. Pages: 80. Format: 6090/8. Cover: Softcover. ISBN: 978-5-8114-4677-3.

Articles:

• The Cello in the Works of Nikolai Kapustin // Musical Academy. — 2017. — No. 1. — pp. 105-109. Archived July 11, 2020;
• An Instrument with a Human Voice. The Formation of Expressive Cello Playing Techniques // Musical Academy. — 2017. — No. 2. — pp. 87-91. Archived July 11, 2020;
• Article: «A Remembrance of S. T. Kalyanov» by A. I. Zagorinsky in the book Stefan Timofeevich Kalyanov. Portrait of a Teacher. Memoirs of Colleagues, Students, and Relatives, published for the 100th anniversary of his birth. Publication details: Moscow, 2018. ISBN 978-5-901951-63-7. 3 pages (92-95).

Musical works recorded by A. I. Zagorinsky on CDs (Discography):

• Music for Cello by S. Rachmaninoff. Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 19; Two Pieces for Cello and Piano, Op. 2 (Prelude and Oriental Dance); Elegie, Op. 3 No. 1 (arr. A. Vlasov); Prelude, Op. 23 No. 4 in G major (arr. A. Vlasov); Prelude, Op. 23 No. 10 in D major (arr. A. Brandukov); Vocalise, Op. 34 in C-sharp minor (arr. A. Brandukov). (A. Zagorinsky — A. Shmitov) CD (KTC 1162), 1993, «Etcetera», Amsterdam;
• E. Denisov. Concerto for Cello and Orchestra (1972). Soloist — A. Zagorinsky, Conductor — A. Mikhailov. CD (UL — 94055), «Vista Vera» LTD, Moscow;
• E. Denisov. Music for Cello. Suite for Cello and Piano (1961); Three Pieces for Cello and Piano (1967); Sonata for Cello and Piano (1971); Two Duets for Bassoon and Cello (1982); Variations on a Theme by Schubert (1986). (A. Zagorinsky, A. Shmitov, A. Klechevsky) CD (KTC 1179), 1994, «Etcetera records», Amsterdam;
• J. Brahms. Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano, Op. 114. E. Petrov (clarinet), A. Zagorinsky (cello), V. Pyasetsky (piano). CD (KTC 1174), 1994, «Etcetera records», Amsterdam;
• O. Messiaen. «Quatuor pour la fin du Temps». Cello part — A. Zagorinsky. CD (UL — 94317), 1994, «Vista Vera», Moscow;
• Music by Polish composer Alexandre Tansman. Works for Cello and Piano. Partita (1955); Melody and Capriccio (1931); Sonata for Cello and Piano (1930); Fantaisie (1936); Quatre Pièces Faciles. A. Zagorinsky and A. Shmitov. CD (KTC 1209), Etcetera Record Company BV, 2000;
• Jewish Motifs in 20th-Century Music. Among the works: A. Copland Piano Trio «Vitebsk»; D. Shostakovich Piano Trio; S. Prokofiev Overture on Jewish Themes. Performers: V. Lenzon (piano), A. Bronweiber (violin), A. Zagorinsky (cello). CD Moscow, V. Lenzon, 2000;
• N. Kapustin — Elegy, Burlesque, «Almost a Waltz» for cello and piano. (A. Zagorinsky and N. Kapustin). CD (DICC-40001-2), «TRITON», Japan, 2001;
• Ensembles of Nikolai Kapustin: Piano Quintet Op. 89; String Quartet Op. 88; Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano Op. 86; Divertissement for Two Flutes, Cello and Piano Op. 91. N. Kapustin, A. Zagorinsky, A. Korneev. CD (DICC-26067), «TRITON», Japan, 2001;
• Showpieces and Encores Constantine Orbelian, Moscow Chamber Orchestra. Rachmaninoff Vocalise, Davydov «By the Fountain», soloist — Zagorinsky. CD (DE 3284), 2001, Delos International, Inc., Hollywood, USA;
• N. Kapustin — Duet for Alto Saxophone and Cello, Op. 99; Introduction and Scherzo for Solo Cello, Op. 93. A. Zagorinsky, A. Volkov. CD. (DICC-26073), «TRITON», Japan, 2002;
• Music by Alexander Rosenblat. Sonata for Cello and Piano — A. Zagorinsky and N. Tokarev. CD. (DICC-26074), «TRITON», Japan, 2002;
• STARS OF THE MOSCOW CHAMBER ORCHESTRA. Constantine Orbelian, conductor. Tchaikovsky «Pezzo Capriccioso», soloist — A. Zagorinsky. CD (DE 3327), 2003, Delos International, Inc., Hollywood, USA;
• Sonatas by Marcello and Vivaldi. Marcello — Sonatas in A minor, G minor, C major, G major. Vivaldi — Sonatas in E minor, A minor. Alexander Zagorinsky (cello) and Alexey Shmitov (organ). CR-012, 2003, Classical Records, Russia;
• Solo album (VVCD-00068) Vista Vera. Program: Franck Sonata for Cello and Piano in A major, Adagio with Variations by Respighi, Reger Suite for Solo Cello in A minor No. 3, Debussy Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor. Zagorinsky (cello) and Alexey Shmitov (piano). VISTA VERA, 2004, VVCD-00068, Russia;
• Igor Rekhin. «AB IMO PECTORE». Two dramatic recitatives for solo cello. A. Zagorinsky (cello) «ARK-SYSTEM» 2004. «VOSTOK» Igor Rekhin;
• Moscow Symphony Orchestra (soloist A. Zagorinsky, conductor V. Stromberg, USA). Cello Concerto by American composer E. W. Korngold (1897-1957). (CD — 2007 NAXOS, Korngold, Deception. 8.570110-11);
• Solo album: Alexander Zagorinsky and Nikolai Kapustin — Concert in Hanover in 1998. Beethoven — 7 Variations on a Theme of Mozart for cello and piano, Chopin — Brillante Polonaise. Two sonatas for cello and piano by Nikolai Kapustin No. 1, op. 63 and No. 2, op. 84. Chopin — Nocturne for cello and piano, arranged by P. Sarasate, Kapustin — «Dawn». CR-126 2008, Classical Records, Russia;
• Igor Rekhin. «Cello Cocktail» 24 Caprices for solo cello, 6 pieces for cello and piano. Zagorinsky (cello), Alexey Shmitov (piano). EUROPE RCD 2009. RCD 30112;
• Georgy Buzogly. Chamber-instrumental and piano music. Sonata for cello and piano. (A. Zagorinsky — I. Smolina). Publisher «Composer», Moscow, 2010. Irina Smolina;
• Duo A. Zagorinsky and E. Stein-Nokleberg. E. Grieg. Sonata for cello and piano, Allegretto and Intermezzo for cello and piano. S. Rachmaninoff. Sonata for cello and piano. CD — SST 31163. 2010 Sound Star-Tonproduction, Steyerberg, Germany;
• Duo A. Zagorinsky and E. Stein-Nokleberg. 5 Beethoven sonatas for cello and piano. CD — 2011;
• Solo album: Alexander Zagorinsky, cello. G. Telemann Suite in D major for solo cello, J. S. Bach Suite No. 6 in D major for solo cello, N. Kapustin Suite for solo cello, Op. 124, O. Viktorova Sonata for solo cello. CR — 152. 2012. Classical records;
• Duo A. Zagorinsky and E. Stein-Nokleberg. «Romantische Musik fuer Cello und Klavier» Robert Schumann, Hans Pfitzner. (R. Schumann. Adagio and Allegro; Three Fantastic Pieces; Five Pieces in Folk Style. H. Pfitzner Sonata for Cello and Piano in C sharp minor). CD — SST 31168. 2012 Sound Star-Tonproduction, Steyerberg, Germany;
• From the Russian Musical Heritage. CD — 2013. Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, 2013. SMC CD 0137.) A. Zagorinsky (cello), M. Evseeva (piano). S. Evseev. Nocturne and Dramatic Sonata for Cello and Piano, T. P. Nikolaeva Poem for Cello and Piano; S. Taneyev, 2nd movement from violin sonata, arrangement by A. Egorov for cello and piano; K. Davydov «At the Fountain»; M. Vielgorsky Variations for cello and piano;
• 2013. CD. Beethoven’s Five Sonatas for Cello and Piano. Alexander Zagorinsky and Einar Steen-Nokleberg. ℗ 2013 Classical Records;
• 2014. CD. Brahms, Mendelssohn. All sonatas for cello and piano. Alexander Zagorinsky (cello) and Einar Steen-Nokleberg (piano) (2 CD) ℗ 2014 Classical records CR — 160;
• 2015 CD. Schubert, Chopin: Works for Cello and Piano. Alexander Zagorinsky (cello) and Einar Stin-Nokleberg (piano). ℗ 2015 FSUE «Firma Melodiya». Mel CD 10 02356;
• 2016. (5 CDs) J. S. Bach: Cello Suites and Sonatas, French Suites. Alexander Zagorinsky (cello) and Einar Stin-Nokleberg (piano). ℗ 2016 FSUE «Firma Melodiya». Mel CD 10 02454;
• CD. Alfredo Piatti: 12 Caprices, Op. 25 & Reminiscence of Verdi’s Trovatore, Op. 20. CD Alexander Zagorinsky 2017;
• 2017. CD. Schumann, Elgar, Kapustin. Alexander Zagorinsky (cello), Chamber Orchestra of Vologda Philharmonic, conductor Alexander Loskutov. ℗ 2017 FSUE «Firma Melodiya» Mel CD 10 02483;
• Bach, Vivaldi Concertos. CD Firma «Melodiya» 2019. Mel CD 10 02592;
• M. Kolontai «8 Songs for Solo Cello». Premiere. CD. August 2019. A. Volkov Studio;
• BEETHOVEN: 5 SONATAS FOR CELLO AND PIANO. Ludwig van Beethoven. Performers: Alexander Zagorinsky, Einar Stin-Nokleberg. Digital album. Melodiya Company. Moscow. Catalog number: MEL CD 1002643. Recording: 2020. Release date: 2020;
• Jon Appleton: Sonata No. 2 for Cello and Piano (melody. su) MEL CO 0890. 2021;
• Tchaikovsky «Variations on a Rococo Theme», Weinberg «Fantasy», Dvořák Cello Concerto in B minor. MEL CD 10 02667. Compact disc MEL CD 10 02667 Melodiya Company. Moscow 2021. A. Zagorinsky (cello), R. Nigamatullin (conductor), Symphony Orchestra of the Belgorod State Philharmonic;
• «Romantic Music for Cello and Organ». Performers: A. Zagorinsky and A. Shmitov. Catalog number: MEL CO 1164. Recording: 2019. Release date: 2022;
• Max Reger. Sonatas for Cello and Piano and Suites for Solo Cello. A. Zagorinsky (cello) and E. Stein-Nokleberg (piano). Catalog number: MEL CD 10 02703/3. Recording: 2018. Release date: 2024.