Rustem Yakhin

(1921–1993)

People’s Artist of the USSR (1986).

Rustem Yakhin was a unique Tatar composer, pianist and teacher of the 20th century. Through his various art songs, vocal romances, and instrumental works, he greatly contributed to the world of Tatar music. Yakhin brought the genre of Tatar national melodies and miniatures to a new level, enriched the chamber music genre, and expanded them to a wider range of possibilities. He was also the author of the Anthem of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Although he composed for various instruments, the piano was always his favorite. One of his most significant compositions is the Piano Concerto in f minor, which is still an unsurpassed example of an instrumental concerto in Tatar music.

He was called the last romantic of Tatar classical music, and his music was and still is beloved by the Tatar nation. His music is characterized by its melodic, lyrical, soulful, hopeful, and touching content, and it reflects the essence of Tatar culture and spirit.