Blanter, Matvey Isaakovich
(*1903)
Blanter [Blántir], Matvey Isaakovich (1–28/2–10–1903, Potshep). From 1917–19 studied at the Mus.-Dramatic Sch. of the M. Philh., where his teachers incl. N. Kochetov and Potolovsky (theory). Also studied comp. in M. with G. Konyus (1920–21). Is best known for his song Katyusha (1938), the first phrase of which was taken from a song by Levi. Katyusha was particularly popular during World War II when it was adopted by anti-fascist forces in Italy. Works: Sort…