Theodor Efimovich Efimov

(April 15, 1947, Alapayevsk, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia – May 17, 2016, Moscow)

Russian composer, pianist, conductor, and arranger.

His original name was Theodor Efimovich Grinshtein. During the Soviet era, being of Jewish descent, he adopted his father's first name as his surname. While he also used his Jewish name Grinshtein, he ultimately settled on Efimov.

His personality was optimistic, and he had a fondness for humor. His musicality was akin to Prokofiev's, possessing humor even in moments of sadness. His favorite composers were Beethoven and Prokofiev, with a particular affinity for Prokofiev.

He disliked explaining his works, but for instance, the first piece of "Strange Phantoms," Op. 10, "Solitude of a Winter Evening," shows the influence of "The Old Castle" from Mussorgsky's suite "Pictures at an Exhibition."

Major Works

Piano Works

• Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 3 (1963-1974)
• Sonata No. 2 in F major, Op. 16 (1994-2003)
• Suite "Strange Phantoms," Op. 10 (1978-1998)
• Three Nocturnes, Op. 11 (1981-1990)
• Grand Etude for Concert, Op. 22 (1999)

Chamber Music

• Sonata for Violin and Piano in C, Op. 5 (1964-1985)
• Three Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 24 (2006)
• Nocturne for Violin and Piano, Op. 11b (1995)
• Sonata for Cello and Piano in C minor, Op. 23 (2005)
• Symphonic Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano in E-flat major, Op. 17 (1995-2004)
• String Quartet No. 1, Op. 4 (1964)
• String Quartet No. 2, Op. 13 (1986)
• Piano Concerto in G major, Op. 25 (2006-2012)

Songs

• "Ave Maria," Op. 20 (1998)
• Three Songs based on Heine's poems, Op. 7 (1966-1995)
• Song Cycle "Songs of Happiness and Farewell" based on Gumilyov's poems, Op. 12 (1981-1995)
• etc.

He also composed various popular songs, film scores, and musicals.

(Translated by Mikhail Kandinsky / Mihoko Kandinsky)