Overture to Colas Breugnon
Kabalevsky is perhaps best known to American audiences for his irrepressible orchestral classic, the Comedians' Galop. While the Russian “heavyweights” of the twentieth century were Shostakovich and Prokofiev, Kabalevsky is known for his accessible, cheerful, and popular musical style. His natural affinity for composing music well founded in traditional means was a distinct advantage for him, living as he did under severe Stalinist artistic restrictions. Art in the Soviet Union was required to reflect the common people and their virtues, and Kabalevsky responded with apparent alacrity. >>>