The pioneering Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina has died

The composer died at the age of 93.

Born in Tatarstan in 1931, Gubaidulina’s father was Tatar and her mother Russian. She studied piano, but later turned to composition. He studied music at the Moscow Conservatory, among others.

Gubaidulina’s compositions reflect his interest in mysticism and religion. This was not considered appropriate in the Soviet Union and therefore his music was not performed.

Gubaidulina’s original compositions became famous in the West. In 1992, the composer moved to Germany, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Gubaidulina’s compositions have also been performed in Finland and the composer has also visited Finland.