ITEA Journal Volume 49 Number 2 (Winter 2022)

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ALEXEI K. LEBEDEV:
By Harold Hernández Lozano

TUBIST, PEDAGOGUE, AND COMPOSER

Editor's Note: This article appears in Harold Hernández Lozano's book, Tubas, y yo vengo …, in its original Spanish language version and is reprinted in English translation with permission from the author.

This article reviews the biography and compositions of Alexei Lebedev, an important Soviet tubist, composer, and teacher, whose works and arrangements are performed all over the world.

Alexei Lebedev c. 1959

Alexei Konstantinovich Lebedev was born on December 9, 1924, in the city of Dankov in the Lipetsk region on the banks of the Don River south of Moscow. ¹

His father was a renowned surgeon and director of the city hospital, and his mother was a mathematics teacher. Alexei began studying the piano as a child, an instrument that would prove useful in his activities as a composer. Lebedev's love for music manifested itself during his childhood, and his main pastime was participating in the marching band of the Dankov House of Culture. While in high school Lebedev conducted the student orchestra and arranged musical compositions for the ensemble.

By the time of his graduation in 1942, the Soviet Union was immersed in the Second World War. Lebedev, like many young men, joined the Red Army, and he was wounded in combat in 1943. After an operation and rehabilitation, Lebedev was conferred the Order of the Great Patriotic War, the most significant award for services rendered in the service of "Great Mother Russia".

Following his hospitalization, Lebedev continued his service in the army by performing in a military band in Moscow. It was also here that he began the study of tuba and music theory at the Ippolitov-Ivanov College of Music. At the conclusion of the war in 1945, Lebedev was admitted to the tuba class of I. Tcherbinine, then professor of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

In 1949, Lebedev graduated with honors and his name was inscribed in the Hall of Honor of the Conservatory. One of the works he performed at his graduation concert was a work of his own composition, his Concerto No.1 in A minor for Tuba and Piano dating from 1947 and which was officially published in 1950. From 1949 to 1953, Lebedev continued his studies, pursuing instruction in composition. Works from this period include his Concerto Allegro which was composed in 1949 and published in 1956. ²

It should be noted in his facet as a tuba player that between 1950 and 1966 Lebedev was solo tuba in the orchestra of the Bolshoi Theater, one of the most important Opera and Ballet theaters in the Soviet era (1917-1991).

Some of the performers and directors with whom Lebedev shared the stage as a tubist included Timofei Dokshizer (renowned trumpet performer and teacher), Yuri Gundel (trumpet), Valery Polekh (hornist to whom Reinhold Gliére dedicated his Horn Concerto Op.91), Mikail Zanalov (trombonist), and Kiril Kondrashin (Director of the Russian National Orchestra).³

From 1950 to 1993, Lebedev was a teacher at the Moscow Conservatory, first as an instructor (1950-1970), then as an Interim Associate Professor (1970-1974), then as an Associate Professor (1974-1986), then as an Interim Professor (1986-1990), and finally as a Full Professor (1990-1993). ⁴ His 43 years of experience earned him the title of "Father of the Modern Tuba" in Russia.

Lebedev's many years of personal performance experience, his pedagogical knowledge, and his kind and friendly relations with his students consistently led to student success. His students were known to graduate from the Conservatory with excellent grades, distinguished by a powerful and beautiful sound, and superb musicality and technical skills. During his 43-year tenure, approximately 50 students graduated from his tuba class. Many of these students hold or have held positions in orchestras and conservatories in Russia and around the world. Among them are:

Yuri Larin - Tubist of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra from 1988-2001 and succeeded Lebedev as the professor at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory from 1993 to the current day

Alexander Filippov - Tubist in the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and professor at the Shanghai Conservatory

Sasha Pashetov - Tubist in the Ukrainian National Radio Symphony Orchestra

Yuri Strelchuk - Tubist in the Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra

Vladimir Apostol - Tuba teacher at the Kiev Conservatory

Sergei Kharlamov - Tubist in the Chisinau Symphony Orchestra in Moldova

Nikita Yarshevich - Tubist in the Belarusian State Orchestra in Belarus

Other pupils of Lebedev were Alexei Kazachenko,Vladislav Gorbenko, Sergei Tikhonov,Yuri Sobolev, Yuri Yefremov, and Vadim Starkov, all of whom are teaching in different educational centers of Russia and in the former Soviet republics.

Lebedev did not only work with tubists and euphoniumists as a specialty, but for 20 years he was also in charge of brass chamber music classes at the Conservatory. From 1969 to 1974, Lebedev worked on the creation of the "Tuba School", a "fundamental work and practically the only textbook in the USSR on this specialty." The "Tuba School" has had two editions. The first edition Part 1 was published in 1974 and the first edition Part 2 in 1975. The second edition Part 1 was published in 1984 and the second edition Part 2 in 1986.⁵

Lebedev was the author of two volumes of exercises (1959 and 1974), where some of his lesser-known compositions appear with works of other composers, a product of his collaboration with contemporary composers who inspired him, including original works for tuba by N. Rakov, V. Kikta, K. Volkov, T. Smirnova, V. Strukov, and G. Dmitriyev.⁶

Concerto by V. Strukov

Sonatina by N. Rakov

Sonata by T. Smirnova

Many of these works are relatively unknown or rarely performed in the Western world, a shame given their proven musical quality. The quality of these compositions is supported by their inclusion in the compulsory programs of competitions such as the International Tchaikovsky Solo Competition in Moscow, the Prague Spring International Music Competition in the Czech Republic, and the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference Solo Competition, in addition to their listing as works for entrance exams for various conservatories and audition repertoire for orchestral auditions throughout the world.

It is worth noting that by the time of Vaughan Williams' Concerto for Tuba in 1954, Lebedev had already composed two of his three concertos. Lebedev's Concerto No. 1 (known in many parts of the world as his Concerto in One Movement) was composed in 1947, and his Concerto Allegro was composed in 1949. These concertos were published in 1950 and 1956 respectively. They were later reissued several times and included in the standard literature by other instruments, most notably Bass Trombone.

Concerto No. 1, Soviet Edition, 1950

Lebedev's pedagogical and compositional work were well combined resulting in a large number of works and pieces for tuba solo, for tuba and piano, and transcriptions for tuba of original works for other instruments by contemporary and historical composers. Lebedev's compositions also include lyrical songs and children's music, having composed more than sixty such works, many with military and children's themes and included in collections of songs published by the Russian publisher Melody. These songs are often broadcast on Russian radio.

Lebedev concerned himself with the expansion of the concert repertoire and education for the tuba. He composed his last major work in 1986, his Concerto No. 2 for Tuba and Orchestra. This exquisite piece with a romantic air recalls Russian popular music, and it was published posthumously in Germany by the Hofmeister Publishing House in 1997. Unfortunately, there are not many recorded examples of this work.⁷

Lebedev's methodical work continued until the end of his life. He composed arrangements for tuba and piano of works by composers from previous eras and published them in two collections. From 1974 to 1976, he wrote his 24 studies for tuba. One direct result of his work was to provide repertoire for the brass chamber music class at the Conservatory, producing his own original compositions and arrangements for various ensemble instrumentation.

Alexei Lebedev c. 1986

Alexei Lebedev died in Moscow on July 11, 1993. There is no doubt Lebedev was a revered tubist and pedagogue in the world of music. In 1998, he was awarded the most prestigious honor bestowed by the International Tuba and Euphonium Association, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

This award was granted posthumously by the Executive Committee of the ITEA in recognition of Lebedev's important contributions to the Tuba during his lifetime (Tuba Journal, Vol. 26, No. 1, 1998). This award recognizes Lebedev along with other great tubists such as Arnold Jacobs, William Bell, Howard Johnson, and John Fletcher.

Alexei Lebedev lived a long, happy life. He was a talented musician with distinct qualifications and a broad profile: a virtuoso performer, an outstanding teacher, the founder of his own school of playing the tuba, and a brilliant composer. Everyone that knew him loved him for his pure soul and heart. He was known as kind, selfless, and very friendly to all people. And he took everything he did very seriously.

List of Compositions and Study Manuals created by A. Lebedev.⁸

• Collection of Pieces for Tuba "Es" and Piano. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Tuba Tutor Vol. 1. ed. Moscow Muzyka. 1952, 1974 and 1984.

• Tuba Tutor Vol. 2. ed. Moscow Muzyka. 1975 and 1986.

• Three Pieces. Musical Evergreen. 1975.

• Concerto Allegro. Ed. Moscow Muzyka. 1956 and 1980. Arr. Glenn P. Smith. University Music Press. 1962. Ed. Hofmeister, Leipzig. 1997.

• Concerto in One Movement. Ed. Moscow Muzyka 1950, 1954, and 1980. Arr. Allen Ostrander. Edition Musicus. 1960 and Ed. Hofmeister, Leipzig. 1995.

• Cradle Song, A. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Gavotte. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Concerto No. 2 for Tuba and Piano. (Version for Tuba and Composer's Orchestra)

• Ed. Hofmeister, Leipzig. 1997.

Concerto No. 2, German Edition for Tuba and Orchestra

List of Brass Scores arranged for Tuba by A. Lebedev for Tuba and Piano. ⁹

• Arutiunian, A. "Expromt". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Bak, M. A. "Joke". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Bartok, B. "Adagio". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Blazhevich, V. "Sonatas for Tuba and Piano". Manuscript. Out of Print. (Vladislav Blazhevich composed fifteen sonatas for tuba and piano. Of these, seven exist in manuscript form and eight have been lost.)

• Brahms, J. "Waltz". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Britten, B. "Sentimental Sarabande from the "Simple Symphony" for String Orchestra". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Corelli, A. "Sarabande". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Duntriev, G. "Ballade". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Fesh, D. "Prelude". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Frid, G. "Little Birch Tree", Associate Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Gluck, K. "Gavotte". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Grieg, E. "In Spring Time". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Gudmen, S. "Dance". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Handel, G. F. "Air". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Handel, G. F. "Variations". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Jurovsky, V. "March". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Kaneda, B. "Long, Long Ago". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Kikta, V. "Epic Tale and Procession of the People in Costumes" (Festival). Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Kotshetov, V. Adagio from the Ballet "Till Eulenspigel". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Ledov, A. "Prelude". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Link, I. "Sonatina Movement IV". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Miaskovskii, N. "Song of the Field". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Monushko, S. "Fairy Tail, A". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Mozart, W. A. "Allegro". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Orthel, L. "Prelude". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Pergolesi, G. B. "Air". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Pozzoli, E. "Sad Minute, The". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Prokofiev, S. "Recitative and Kutuzov's Air from the Opera "War and Peace". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Rachmaninoff, S. "Russian Song". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow. Conservatoire. 1971.

• Rakov, N. "Romance". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Rakov, N. "Sonatina". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Ravel, Maurice. "Pavane". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Rubinstein, A. "Persian Song", Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Samonov, A. "Good Night". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Samonov, A. "Grandfather Is Dancing". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Schedrin, R. "Variations from the Ballet Konick-Gorbunoch". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Schubert, F. "Ave Maria". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Scriabin, A. "Etude". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Shostakovich, D. "Romance". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Stravinsky, I. "Russian Song". Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

• Tchaikovsky, P. I. "Tomsky's Song from the Opera 'Queen of Spades'". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1984.

• Tomasi, G. "Hamlet's Monologue". Ed. A. Lebedev. Moscow Muzyka. 1986.

• Vazilyev, V. Melody. Arr. A. Lebedev. Military Band Masters Faculty of Moscow Conservatoire. 1971.

Cuban-born tubist Harold Hernández Lozano is a professor and director of various institutions in Spain, Cuba, and Italy. He is a member of the ITEA, AETYB, and UNEAC, and creator of the online blog "In BBflat". He is the author of the book Tubas y yo vengo…, published by Editorial Voces de Hoy.

Footnotes:

1. M, C. (2008). Овчинников А. Виртуоз, композитор, педагог. http://person.lib48.ru/lebedev-aleksej-konstantinovich-2.

2. Bolotin, S.V. Encyclopedic Biographical Dictionary of Musicians-Performers on Wind Instruments/S.V. Bolotin. 2nd ed., Add. and revised, M. Radunitsa, 1995.

3. Туба в россии - Tuba in Russia - Книга. (n.d.). http://www.tuba.org.ru/. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from http://www.tuba.org.ru/kniga22.php.

4. Персоналии - Лебедев Алексей Константинович. (2016). P. I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Moscow. https://www.mosconsv.ru/ru/person.aspx?id=8899.

5. Черемушкин, S. (2015). Лебедев Алексей Константинович: биография тубиста Тубисты: биография музыкантов. http://tubastas.ru/tuba-player/tubs-08.

6. Lebedev. WindSongPress. Retrieved 2012, from https://www.windsongpress.com/brass%20players/tuba/Lebedev.pdf.

7. Friedrich Hofmeister Musikverlag. Hofmeister Editions. Retrieved 2012, from https://www.hofmeister-musikverlag.com/authors/k-l/l/lebedjew-alexej-1924-1993.html.

8. Morris, W. R. (2006). Guide to the Tuba Repertoire, Second Edition: The New Tuba Source Book (2nd ed.). Indiana University Press.

9. Ibid.

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