Otar Taktakishvili

Otar Taktakishvili (Georgian: ოთარ თაქთაქიშვილი; Russian: Отар Васильевич Тактакишвили; Tbilisi, 27 July 1924 – 21 February 1989) was a Georgian composer, teacher, conductor, and writer of music.

Otar Taktakishvili graduated from the Tbilisi State Conservatory, while still been a student he composed the official anthem of the Georgian SSR. By 1949 he became a Professor of the Tbilisi Conservatory and the conductor and the artistic director of the Georgian State chorus. In 1951 he received his first Stalin Prize (USSR State Prize) for his First Symphony. In 1962, Taktakishvili became Chairman of the Georgian Composers' Union; and in 1965 the Minister for Culture of the Georgian Republic.

He was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1974, the Lenin Prize in 1982, and the USSR State Prize in 1951, 1952 and 1967.

Taktakishvili's works include operas, two symphonies, four piano concertos, two violin concertos and two cello concertos, the symphonic poem Mtsyri and the oratorios In the Steps of Rustaveli and Nikoloz Baratashvili. Probably his best known work in the West is his sonata for flute and piano.

External links

• Listen Online to Otar Taktakishvili's music

Persondata
Name	Taktakishvili, Otar
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	27 July 1924
Place of birth
Date of death	21 February 1989
Place of death