empty cell Alexander Knaifel
Alexander Knaifel was a Soviet composer born in 1943 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He studied cello under Mstislav Rostropovich at the Moscow Conservatory and later composition with Boris Arapov in Leningrad. Knaifel was known for his operas, such as "The Ghost of Canterville" and "Alice in Wonderland," as well as his film scores. His works often surprised with unusual instrument combinations and length; for instance, "Agnus Dei" for four instrumentalists lasts exactly 120 minutes. In the 1990s, his music was strongly influenced by religious themes. He passed away on June 27, 2024, at the age of 80.
