Music of the Soviet Union

The music of the Soviet Union had many different kinds of songs and styles. Most of it came from Russian culture, but people from all parts of the Soviet Union added their own sounds. The government helped support music schools and concerts, but they also made sure the music followed certain rules.

Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the early Soviet Union, talked about how artists should be free to create but also said that the government needed to guide and shape the results. This mix of support and control shaped the music that people heard during those years.

Classical music of the Soviet Union

Classical music in the Soviet Union grew from the traditions of the Russian Empire. It changed over time, from early experiments to styles favored by leaders like Joseph Stalin.

Important composers included Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Aram Khachaturian. Later, other composers like Georgy Sviridov and Tikhon Khrennikov also became well-known. Many musicians from that time are still famous today, such as violinists David Oistrakh and Leonid Kogan, cellists Mstislav Rostropovich and Daniil Shafran, and pianists Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels.

Music in Stalin's early years

After Joseph Stalin came to power, he cut off ties with Western countries and wanted music that reflected traditional Russian styles. This caused some problems for musicians, but the government supported those who followed Soviet ideals.

Stalin's Second Revolution of 1932

In 1932, Stalin created the Union of Soviet Composers to control music. Composers had to follow government rules, and their work needed approval before it could be shared. Music was expected to celebrate Soviet life and workers, using simple, traditional melodies.

Classical music during the Second World War

When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the government relaxed some music rules to help raise spirits. Composers created patriotic music to support the war effort. This period saw a return of grand symphonies and chamber music, which helped lift spirits during hard times.

Zhdanovism and a return to the policies of the 1930s

After the war, the Soviet government returned to strict control over music. Andrei Zhdanov led efforts to enforce traditional Soviet styles and reject Western influences. Composers faced pressure to follow these rules, and some had to change their work.

The Khrushchev Thaw

When Nikita Khrushchev took power in 1953, there was more freedom in the arts. Banned works by composers like Shostakovich were performed again, and Western musicians visited the Soviet Union. The Union of Soviet Composers continued to guide music but allowed more variety.

Official Soviet Music, 1953–1991

During this time, the Soviet government still influenced music, favoring traditional styles and rejecting Western modernism. Composers like Shostakovich remained important models, while experimental styles were often ignored. The Union of Soviet Composers promoted works that reflected Soviet ideals and working-class life.

Unofficial Soviet Music, 1953–1991

Despite government control, some composers experimented with new styles. Andrey Volkonsky was one of the first to use modern techniques. Others, like Edison Denisov and Sofia Gubaidulina, also pushed boundaries. Though they faced criticism, their work gained recognition both inside and outside the Soviet Union.

Electronic music

In 1929, Nikolai Obukhov made a special musical tool called the "sounding cross." It worked like the theremin. In the 1930s, other inventors made new musical machines too. Later, Arseny Avraamov studied how to make new sounds.

In 1956, Vyacheslav Mescherin formed a group that played music using electronic instruments like theremins. His group’s style was called "Space age pop." In 1958, Evgeny Murzin built the ANS synthesizer, one of the first machines that could play many notes at once.

By the late 1960s, groups that played light electronic music started appearing. This music was sometimes used to welcome visitors from other countries and for radio broadcasting.

In 1966, Evgeny Murzin started a studio in Moscow where new musicians could test ideas. Later, places like Estonian SSR, Lithuanian SSR, and Latvian SSR also had their own inventors.

In the mid-1970s, Alexander Zatsepin made a special instrument for the animated film The Mystery of the Third Planet.

In 1985, "Melodiya" and the sports group made records mixing electro and chiptune music.

Soviet synthesizers

• Aelita
• ANS synthesizer
• Graphical sound
• Musical Instrument Factory of Riga
• Optophonic Piano
• Polivoks
• Rhythmicon
• Terpsitone
• Theremin
• Variophone

Film soundtracks

Film soundtracks were very important for making popular songs in the Soviet Union. Famous composers like Sergei Prokofiev wrote music for movies, such as Alexander Nevsky. Another composer, Isaak Dunayevsky, mixed classical music with popular jazz.

In the 1970s, Eduard Artemyev became known for his music in science fiction films. Many movies had music that showed pride in the country, using folk music and styles from different parts of the Soviet Union. Songs like The Red Army is the Strongest and the State Anthem of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics were used in later films and TV shows.

Popular music

Early Soviet years

In the early years of the Soviet Union, popular music was mostly Russian in style. A famous song was "Katyusha" by Matvei Blanter. It had a melody like older Russian songs, but it told stories about soldiers during wartime.

Many well-known songs came from international movements for change in the late 1800s and early 1900s. An example is the song "Varshavianka", which started in Poland and became popular during the Russian Revolution. Other popular songs included "The Red Banner" from France and "Boldly, Comrades, in Step".

In the 1930s, songs from movies became very popular. These included marches and patriotic themes like If Tomorrow Brings War and Three Tankmen.

Soviet music

Soviet music was seen as a new stage in musical development. It followed strict rules set by the Soviet state and the Communist Party. Songs were often optimistic or heroic, with themes about history or ideology.

1930–1960s: Soviet jazz

Jazz music came to the Soviet Union in the 1920s. It became popular through films and musicians like Alexander Tsfasman and Leonid Utyosov. However, in the late 1940s, jazz was criticized as "bourgeois" music, and many jazz bands were forced to stop performing.

Soviet estrada

Soviet estrada referred to performers of popular music who sang with symphony orchestras. These singers, such as Leonid Utesov and Lyubov Orlova, were known for their powerful voices and performed songs written by professional composers.

1960–80s: the VIAs

In the 1960s, state-produced bands called VIAs became popular. These bands, like Pesniary and Zemlyane, combined traditional songs with elements of rock and disco. They often praised national culture and patriotism in their lyrics.

1960–70s: Bard music

Bard music, performed by singer-songwriters like Bulat Okudzhava and Vladimir Vysotsky, became popular in the 1960s. These musicians usually played acoustic guitars and focused on storytelling through their lyrics.

1980s: Russian rock

Rock music grew in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. Bands like Kino and Alisa became very popular. Rock clubs opened in Leningrad and Moscow, and rock festivals were allowed.

Video game music

After the Cold War, Russian music appeared in video games. One famous example is the theme from the game Tetris.