Vasily Agapkin Biography - A Very Quick Guide
Artist:
Vasily Agapkin
Born:
1884
Died:
1964
Russian bandmaster and composer Vasily Ivanovich Agapkin was born in 1884 in the Tambov region of Russia. He trained as a military musician and served in several regimental bands during the early part of the 20th century. Agapkin became widely known for composing Farewell of Slavianka in 1912, a march inspired by the Balkan Wars and the Slavic women who saw their husbands off to battle. The piece quickly spread through military and civilian bands and became one of the most recognisable marches in the Russian-speaking world.
After the Russian Revolution, Agapkin continued his career in various Soviet military ensembles and eventually became a conductor in the Red Army Band, participating in major state ceremonies, including the 1941 October Revolution Parade on Red Square. Although he wrote other marches and arrangements, none achieved the fame of Farewell of Slavianka. Agapkin died in 1964, and his signature march remains a staple of Russian and Eastern European brass band repertoire.
After the Russian Revolution, Agapkin continued his career in various Soviet military ensembles and eventually became a conductor in the Red Army Band, participating in major state ceremonies, including the 1941 October Revolution Parade on Red Square. Although he wrote other marches and arrangements, none achieved the fame of Farewell of Slavianka. Agapkin died in 1964, and his signature march remains a staple of Russian and Eastern European brass band repertoire.
Top Pieces on 8notes by Vasily Agapkin