Russian Empire
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César Cui
Vilna (Vilnius), Russian Empire
Archival Overview
Russian composer of 'The Five', imperial military engineer who attained the rank of General, and biting music critic who vigorously championed the Russian nationalist school.
Biographical Record
The son of a French officer who stayed in Russia after Napoleon's retreat, César Cui pursued a distinguished military career, graduating from the Saint Petersburg Engineering Academy and becoming a professor and General of Imperial Military Fortifications, educating Tsar Nicholas II in defensive siege warfare.
As a composer and the sharp-tongued literary voice of The Five, Cui published hundreds of influential reviews in Russian and French periodicals championing Russian opera, Liszt, and Berlioz. He composed ten operas (including William Ratcliff and Angelo), numerous miniature songs, and pioneered children's opera in Russia.
Key Life Milestones
William Ratcliff Premiere
Staged his landmark opera at the Mariinsky Theatre, applying the radical dramatic principles of The Five.
Promotion to Army General
Attained the rank of full General of Engineers for his definitive textbooks on military fortifications.
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialPetrograd, Soviet Russia