In 2018 we mark the 90^th birth anniversary of Professor Alexander Tanev – celebrated Bulgarian composer, public figure and person with interests in different spheres. Perhaps, a sentence from his autobiography describes Professor Tanev the best: “his euphoric nature combined logics, temper and public engagement” Alexander Tanev grew up in the town of Haskovo. Some of his pieces will sound in that town on March 21 during the first event marking his birth anniversary. Professor Tanev was born in Budapest, Hungary. The Bulgarian Cultural Center in Budapest will also mark his anniversary. Here is what his daughter Professor Borislava Taneva told Radio Bulgaria about the forthcoming concerts:”

"The preservation of the memory is one of the most important tasks of each generation. We do not come to this world just like that. We are a product of previous experience. Alexander Tanev’s contribution to the Bulgarian culture in the middle of the 20^th century must be preserved and his birth anniversary is a good occasion to listen to some of his pieces. I am very happy that our colleagues reacted enthusiastically and several towns and cities will host concerts dedicated to Professor Tanev’s birth anniversary. My father truly loved the city of Veliko Tarnovo and was in that city many times on various occasions. His birth anniversary in Bulgaria’s old capital will be marked within the frameworks of The Sound of Time international music contest. Some of his pieces were included in the programme of the Days of Music in Balabanova House in the city of Plovdiv. On June 2 popular Bulgarian bands and ensembles are to hold a concert at the National Academy of Music. Let us remind that Professor Tanev used to lecture at the National Academy of Music for over 35 years. The film dedicated to Alexander Tanev shot by the Bulgarian National Television in 1996 will be shown there as well. The organizers of the International Choir Festival Chernomorski Zvutsi in Balchik decided to dedicate this year’s edition to Professor Tanev. The festival is expected to be held in the beginning of June. Later, the organizers of the Days of Chamber Music Festival in Gabrovo will also dedicate a concert to Professor Tanev. In the autumn of 2018 the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra is to hold a concert with the pieces of Professor Alexander Tanev. The last event will be held in the Union of the Bulgarian Composers."

Professor Borislava Taneva is the author of a detailed study on her father’s creative works and activities:

“The research was dedicated to his piano pieces within the context of his overall creative work. Although I was convinced that I knew in details most of his piano, chamber, choral and orchestral opuses, I found many interesting intonation connections between pieces written in different periods. It also became clear that Professor Tanev treated choral musical scores as orchestral. I do not only have in mind the emblematic Pizzicati song, but also many other pieces."

"My father was definitely not happy with the fact that some people called him a choral musician. Indeed, his contribution to choral music in the 1960’s and the 1970’s in Bulgaria was huge. He was close friend with Vassil Arnaudov, Georgi Robev and many other wonderful Bulgarian choral conductors at that time. However, he also wrote pieces for orchestras, vocal, instrumental pieces, etc. He wrote three oratorios, two concerts for piano and orchestra, concert for percussions and wind instruments, etc. Now I would like to go back to Alexander Tanev’s 90^th birth anniversary."

"All concerts dedicated to his birth anniversary will be accompanied with an exhibition consisting of ten paintings linked with Professor Tanev’s life or dedicated to genres of his creative work. There are many photos of my father’s meetings with people. He was a very social person and was able to talk on various topics.”

English version: Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: private library