Biography

Kirill Vladimirovich Molchanov was born in Moscow, USSR, on 7th September, 1922. His mother was a well-known opera singer. By the age of twelve he had already composed his first opera, 'Moydodr' (literal translation: 'Wash 'till holes'), which was based on the popular children's poetry.

In 1937 he participated as a pianist and composer in the first All-Union competition of young Soviet talents, during which time he was spotted by A N Alexandrov of the Moscow Conservatory. During the Second World War Molchanov was conscripted, and assigned to the Red Army as a member of the Red-Bnner Song and Dance Ensemble of the Siberian Military District.

Molchanov's favourite musical genre was opera, including those for 'Daybreak' (1956), 'The Brest Fortress (1967) and 'All Quiet at Daybreak Here' (1973), the latter of which was recorded on LP by Melodiya in 1974.

Molchanov also composed much instrumental music, including works for ballet, chamber ensemble, symphony orchestra and the stage. He is, perhaps, best known in the West for his many film scores, including those for 'Coming Home' (1953), 'On Seven Winds' and 'The Only Witness' (1973). He also composed the music for the first Soviet Kinopanorama film, 'Great is my Country', which was premiered on 18th December, 1958, at the Mir Kino Theatre in Moscow.

In 1973 he was appointed director of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, and died in the director's box of the Bolshoi Theatre while attending a performance of his ballet "Macbeth".
- IMDb mini biography by: John Steven Lasher