Degtyaryov, Stepan Anikiyevich
(1766–1813)
Degtyaryov [Diktyiryóff] (Degtyarevsky, Dekhteryov), Stepan Anikiyevich (1766, Borisovka, Kursk distr.; 4–23/5–5–1813, Kursk distr.). Comp., cond., and singer; serf to Count Sheremetev. Studied with Antonio Sapienza (1755–1829) and Sarti. After gaining his freedom, settled in M. (1803), then returned to Kursk (1812) because of the war. Is best known for Minin and Pozharsky, or The Liberation of Moscow (1811), the first oratorio on a patriotic subject by a Russian comp. His music is proficient…