Marin Goleminov (1908-2000)

Marin Goleminov is one of the most significant Bulgarian composers. He was born in Kyustendil on September 28, 1908. Goleminov graduated from the State Academy of Music in Sofia (1930) and the Schola Cantorum in Paris (1934), where he studied composition under V. d’Indy. He rounded out his training under I. Hasse and A. Lorenz in Munich (1938–39). In 1941 he began teaching at the State Conservatory in Sofia (where he became rector in 1956). Goleminov acquired fame as a composer with the production of his dance drama Nestinarka (1942), based on folklore themes. The individuality of his style manifested in the Concerto for String Orchestra and the First String Quartet. His creative work, based for the most part on Bulgarian musical folklore, is rich in harmonic innovations, colorful orchestration distinguishes his symphonic works. His other pieces include the historical opera Ivailo (1959), Symphonic Variations on a Theme by D. Khristov, chamber ensembles and works, choruses, songs, music for motion pictures, and reworkings of folk songs. Goleminov wrote the theoretical studies. He died on February 19, 2000 in Portugal. (Source: encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/)