Opera singer Alexander Filippovich Vedernikov: biography, features of creativity and interesting facts

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Opera singer Alexander Vedernikov is an outstanding performer of arias (bass), teacher and full member of the Academy of Folk Music.

Childhood and youth

Alexander was born in December 1927 in the village of Mokino (Kirov region). His parents were Philip Sergeevich and Anna Dmitrievna, who, besides him, had four more sons.

The large Vedernikov family lived as a kind of clan on the banks of the Vyatka River. All the men of the family were engaged in the manufacture of carriages. Working tirelessly, they carried out orders for many clients and produced carriages for various purposes: from workers to ceremonial ones. All the duties of blacksmiths, carpenters, joiners and saddlers were performed by five brothers and their father Philip. Singing became an integral part of the working process, attracting fellow villagers from all over the area.

Soon the Vedernikovs had to move to the city of Kopeysk, where their father began to work as a carpenter. Then he enteredRabfak, graduated from it and mastered the profession of a builder. He was attracted to the construction of houses and mine structures. Alexandra's mother went to nursing courses, after which she worked in this speci alty for a long time.

Attraction of art

The craving for beauty manifested itself in Alexander from an early age. He enjoyed painting and singing. The most ardent childhood desire was to receive a gift in the form of a violin, but his father presented him with a balalaika, as well as a set for drawing. In 1943, Alexander began his studies at the Korkinsky Mining College. At this educational institution there was a club that united the talented youth of the city. Of all the amateur circles, Alexander Filippovich Vedernikov chose the Fine Arts, intending to later become a member of the choir. However, this dream was not destined to come true: during the auditions, the young man was prevented by his breaking voice.

After graduating from an educational institution, Alexander Filippovich Vedernikov became a qualified mining foreman. Luck smiled at the moment when he came to enter the art school. Seeking to pursue art rather than professional work, he planned to become an artist. The young man's plans changed a little when he found out that the acceptance of documents was over. Not at a loss, Alexander Filippovich Vedernikov took a chance and tried to enter the music school, located literally opposite.

Having done well in the singing exam, he began to study here. Then Alexander was a student at the Moscow Conservatory, and even later - an employee of the eminent theater. Becoming in 1958soloist of the Bolshoi Theater, the singer stayed with him until 1990.

Part of the training of the great bass was an internship in Italy with the famous teacher Maestro Barra.

Interesting biography. Alexander Vedernikov: the beginning of a career

The specificity and uniqueness of Alexander lies in the rare ability to combine the wondrous sound of his voice with his excellent command of it. The public and experts from the very first performances were captivated by his artistry and the gift of reincarnation. It seemed that three personalities coexisted in him at once: an artist, an artist and a musician.

The list of roles performed by Vedernikov during his work in the theater is impressive: he was chosen to perform almost all the leading roles related to the bass repertoire (Russian classical and modern operas).

Musical activity of Alexander Vedernikov

Working in the theater, Alexander combined his duties with quite frequent performances and concerts, numerous philharmonic concerts and recording CDs. The musician's repertoire included romances, songs, arias and oratorios by such famous composers as D. Shostakovich, N. Rimsky-Korsakov, D. Kabalevsky and many other domestic and foreign authors.

The most important role in the singer's career belongs to the composer Georgy Sviridov, in collaboration with whom Alexander Filippovich Vedernikov brought to life a large number of classical works. The most striking is the cycle of nine songs, which are based on the poems of R. Burns. In the performance of these works, Vedernikov put extraordinary brightness, philosophy, truthfulness and power, achieving extreme expressiveness.

Awards and distinctions

Georgy Sviridov wrote the "Pathetic Oratorio" to the text of V. Mayakovsky, and the embodiment of the image of the Poet, without a doubt, became one of the most important milestones in the creative activity carried out by Alexander Vedernikov. Achievements in performing skills were noted - the singer was awarded a gold medal, as well as a prize at the International Competition in Berlin. The same year, 1956, was marked for Alexander by a nomination for the first prize of the All-Union Competition.

In addition to the above awards, Alexander Vedernikov is an active member of the Russian Academies of Music and Arts, and also has numerous titles, distinctions and orders that were awarded to him during the Soviet Union.

As a specialist in music and performing arts, the singer acts as a vocal consultant. Among his students there are a large number of soloists of the Bolshoi Theater.

Combining work and teaching, the singer finds time for numerous interviews, and also participates in many television projects as an invited guest.

The greatness of talent

The gift for the unobtrusive preaching of positive ideals without any vulgarity and arrogance is what makes Alexander Filippovich Vedernikov unforgettable and revered. His biography would be incomplete without mentioningpainter's talent. Carrying this passion throughout his life, the musician creates true masterpieces on canvas, capturing the dear faces of his loved ones in portraits.

Alexander greatly appreciates the time spent in nature. Fishing has been one of his favorite pastimes for many years, and he also enjoys gardening and gardening.

For almost thirty years, the dacha on the banks of the Vyatka, donated by fellow countrymen, has served as a cozy refuge from the bustle of the city for the singer and his family.