Arensky, Anton Stepanovich (1861–1906)

Russian composer. His works include the opera Nal and Damayanti (1904), the ballet Egyptian Nights (composed in 1900, first performed in 1908), and the cantata The Fountain of Bakhchisarai (1899). He also composed church music, songs, symphonies, a set of variations for strings on a theme of Tchaikovsky, some chamber music, and many elegant piano works. His music is eclectic, but reflects the influence of Tchaikovsky.

Arensky was born in Novgorod, and studied under Karl Karlovich Zikke (1850–90) and, later (1879–82), under Julius Ivanovich Johannsen (1826–1904) and Rimsky-Korsakov at St Petersburg Conservatory. He was appointed professor at the Moscow Conservatory in 1882.

Works Opera A Dream on the Volga (based on Ostrovsky's Voyevoda; 1891), Raphael (1894), Nal and Damayanti (1904).

Ballet Egyptian Nights (performed 1908).

Orchestral two symphonies (1883 and 1889); piano concerto.

Other incidental music for Shakespeare's The Tempest; chamber music, including piano trio in D minor; numerous piano pieces; choruses, songs, church music.