A preliminary study of the choral works and style of Sergei Taneyev

Sergei Taneyev (1856–1915) was the most prolific Russian composer of secular choral music in the second half of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. He was a teacher of many well-known and influential Russian composers, and he contributed to the expansion of choral music in Russia through his development of large choral-cycle compositions. Despite his importance in Russian music history, he remains relatively unknown outside of Russia.

This document provides a biographical sketch, addresses the history and stylistic features of Taneyev’s choral music, and outlines the current state of Taneyev research, including the locations of manuscripts and editions available in the West. Familiarty with his compositional output and influence in Russia will promote understanding of the development of Russian secular choral music.