Karetnikov, Nikolai (1930-1994)

Russian composer. From the time of his fourth symphony (1963), he was obliged to compose and publish in secrecy, owing to his political dissent. His opera Til'Ulenshpigel was written and recorded over five years with the cooperation of friends; it was dubbed the first samizdat (underground) opera and was premiered in Bielefeld, Germany, in 1993.

He studied with Vissarion Shebalin at the Moscow Conservatory.

Works The Mystery of Apostle Paul, opera oratorio (1972-87), chamber suite From Shalom-Aleham (1986), quintet for piano and strings (1990), and Six Spiritual Songs (1992).