Dzerzhinsky, Ivan Ivanovich
(1909–1978)
Dzerzhinsky [Dzirzhínsky], Ivan Ivanovich (3–27/4–9–1909, Tambov; 1–18–1978, L.). Following study with Yavorsky (pf), and Gnesin, G. Popov , and Ryazanov (comp.), entered the L. Cons. (1932–34), working with Asaf'yev. His opera Quiet Flows the Don (prem. 10–22–1935 at the L. Maly Theater), with its patriotic subject matter and accessible, folklike music, was praised by Stalin (1–17–1936) as an exemplary Soviet opera, in contrast to contemporaneous works by Prokof'yev and Shostakovich (such as…