Lopatnikov, Nikolai Lvovich (1903–1976)

Estonian-born US pianist and composer. He studied at the St Petersburg Conservatory, left for Finland during the 1917 Revolution, and in 1920 settled in Germany, studying piano with Willi Rehberg and composition with Ernst Toch in Berlin. In 1933 he returned to Finland and sought the advice of Sibelius. In 1939 he settled in the USA, becoming an American citizen in 1944. He was appointed professor of composition at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, in 1945.

Works opera Danton (after Rolland's play, 1930–32); four symphonies (1928–71), variations, concertino and Introduction and Scherzo for orchestra; two piano concertos (1921, 1930), concerto for two pianos and for violin; three string quartets (1920, 1924, 1955); violin and piano sonata (with side-drum ad lib.), three pieces for violin and piano; cello and piano sonata.