The Man Who Played the Kremlin’s Tune – BBC Radio 3 – Mix
Katie Hill from Overcoat Media produced this Sunday Feature about Tikhon Khrennikov, and I was lucky enough to do the mix for her!
Tikhon Khrennikov was the most powerful – and controversial – figure of 20th century Soviet music. For over 40 years, he led the Union of Soviet Composers, a role for which he was handpicked by Stalin himself. Not simply a bureaucrat, Khrennikov played a double role: composing bright, accessible tunes celebrated by the regime, while condemning his peers Shostakovich and Prokofiev to the point of career ruin.
Author and broadcaster, Lucy Ash uncovers the contradictions of a man who thrived under a system that crushed others.
You can listen back to the programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002jfz1