Airat Ichmouratov

Airat Ichmouratov
Airat Rafailovich Ichmouratov (Tatar Cyrillic: Айрат Рафаил улы Ишмурат) born 28 June 1973) is a Volga Tatar born Russian / Canadian composer, conductor and klezmer clarinetist. He was conductor and composer in residence of Longueuil Symphony Orchestra (2018-2021), clarinetist of Montreal-based Klezmer group Kleztory and invited professor at Laval University in Quebec, Canada.
Early life
Ichmouratov was born and raised in Kazan, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, he is second child of Razima Ichmouratova (Gatina) and Rafail Ichmouratov.
He studied Clarinet at the Kazan Music School N3, Kazan Music College and Kazan Conservatory, graduating in 1996. In 1993, when he was appointed as Associate clarinetist of the Tatarstan's Opera and Ballet Theatre, and of the Kazan State Symphony Orchestra, he began to extensively tour in Europe.
In 1997, Ichmouratov went to Canada to participate as student at Orford Art's Centre Festival, where he met Yuli Turovsky, cellist and conductor, who later became his close mentor.
Career
In 1998, Ichmouratov permanently moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he obtained a Master degree at the University of Montreal, where he studied with Andre Moisan. He then founded the Muczynski Trio with Luo Di -Cello and Evgenia Kirjner on piano, which won 1st prize and the Grand Award at the National Music Festival (Canada, 2002) and 1st Prize at the 8th International Chamber Music Competition in Kraków (Poland, 2004).
Conductor
Ichmouratov's first conducting job, after obtaining his Doctorate degree in Orchestra Conducting at University of Montreal (2005) was with chamber orchestra Les Violons du Roy in Quebec City, where he was assistant conductor of renown specialist in Baroque and Classical repertoire, Canadian conductor Bernard Labadie. Les Violons du Roy's Concert on 5 December 2008 "Russian Impressions" under Ichmouratov's direction, also presented the world premiere of his own Cello Concerto, won the Opus Prize in the category – Best concert of the Year. Airat was appointed to the position of Resident Conductor of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra from 2009 until 2011, where he was assisting Israeli conductor and composer Yoav Talmi. In 2011, replacing Yuli Turovsky at short notice, Ichmouratov conducted I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra on tour in USA, Brazil and Peru. In October 2011 he made his debut with Tatarstan Academic State Opera and Ballet Theatre (Russia) and was immediately re invited to conduct Puccini's Turandot and Verdi's Rigoletto during the 2012–13 season and on the following European Tour.
Kleztory
In 2000, Mr. Ichmouratov joined the klezmer group Kleztory, in which he presently plays the clarinet, composes and arranges. In 2004, Kleztory recorded for the Chandos Records (Great Britain) CD with I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra and Yuli Turovsky. In 2007 Kleztory's album "Nomade" won the Opus Prize. Most recent (2014) Album "Arrival" was nominated as Best album of the year in Traditional music category by ADISQ. In 2012 Kleztory won klezmer Furth Prize at International Klezmer festival and Competition in Amsterdam and as result appeared at Furth Klezmer Festival during the following spring
. With Kleztory, Mr. Ichmouratov has appeared as soloist with several orchestras including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra, Les Violons du Roy and Brussels Chamber Orchestra and toured intensively in Canada, USA, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania and China.
Composer
Musical style
The music of Ichmouratov is usually categorized as neo-romantic. Frédéric Cardin, who reviewed Chandos recording of his Piano and Viola concertos with London Symphony orchestra called him "a leader in contemporary neo-romantic music worldwide". In an interview, given to la Scena Musicale, who called him "21st Century Romanticist", Ichmouratov mentions that his preferred repertoire comprises compositions by notable Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Mussorgsky, and Borodin. Ichmouratov, having grown up in Russia, expressed his connection to this musical heritage. He also holds admiration for German composers such as Mahler, Strauss, and Wagner, finding their compositions particularly inspiring. Several reviewers stated Ichmouratov's music is tonal, well orchestrated, often compared to the music of Khachaturian, Kalinnikov, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev. Katherine Cooper of PrestoMusic mentioned in her review that listening Ichmouratov's works without prior knowledge, she would have guessed that the majority of his orchestral music originated from the first half of the twentieth century. According to Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who performed composer's music on several occasions, Ichmouratov excels as a communicator in the truest sense. Nézet-Séguin states that composer's works promptly engages the listener, embarking on a journey of storytelling, landscapes, and emotions. There are statements about composer's music language that are controversial. Michael Wilkinson of Music Web International in his review characterized Ichmouratov's Symphony as dull, expressing difficulty in identifying a distinctive voice within it. David Nice of BBC Classical Music wrote that Ichmouratov's Youth Overture has "a creepy-weird counter-theme and a broad synthetic melody". Meanwhile, Ateş Orga of Classical Source states that Ichmouratov is possessing immaculate craftsmanship, an impeccable sense of orchestration, and a rich vein of tonal/modal melody. Michael Church of BBC Classical Music remarked about the second movement of Ichmouratov's Viola Concerto No.1, the music is "gorgeous and very expressive". Britannica states that the era of musical Romanticism was characterized by a focus on individuality, personal emotional expression, and freedom in form. We can see all these elements in Ichmouratov's music, today in 21st century. Composer in an interview with La Presse speaks about his own music:
Orchestration
According to various accounts, Airat Ichmouratov is acknowledged as a competent orchestrator. The majority of his orchestral compositions, spanning opera, symphony, overtures, and concertos, are scored for the full-size orchestra, reminiscent of the late 19th through the mid-20th century, and often involve an average of 80 to 100 performers with a diverse array of instruments. In his Master's thesis at the University of Montreal, where he talks about his "Youth" Overture, the composer notes his admiration for the skillful orchestrations of Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninov:
'Fate' motif: a rising seventh (A - C - G♯)
In his interview with Keith Horner, while working on his first Chandos recording of the tone poem "Letter from an Unknown Woman," the composer mentions about the 'Fate' motif characterized by a rising seventh (A - C - G♯). This motif is a recurring musical figure that carries profound thematic significance in his compositions. The motif originated from the leap of a seventh in the English horn solo of the last movement of Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony. Ichmouratov has subtly modified this motif, introducing a minor third instead of a perfect fourth within the major seventh, marking its evolution and integration into various works such as the Three Viola Romances Op.22 (2009), String Quartet No. 4 Op.35 (2013), Cello Concerto No. 2 Op.57 (2018), Concerto Grosso N2 Op.60 (2018), tone poems for Strings like “Letter from an Unknown Woman” Op.56 (2017) and “The Ninth Wave” Op.61 (2019), Concerto for Violin and Cello Op.66 (2020), Flute Concerto Op.64 (2020), and the Opera “The Man Who Laughs" Op.75 (2023).
This motif, often associated with themes of destiny and persistence, takes on diverse expressions in his music, ranging from poignant moments to forceful dissonance. Its recurrent presence in multiple compositions underscores Ichmouratov's artistic exploration and thematic coherence across his extensive body of work.
Tribute to Quebec
On 21 October 2020 Airat Ichmouratov received Charles Biddle Award. This honour, given by Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, and Culture pour tous highlights the contributions of immigrants to Quebec whose personal and professional commitment contributes to the province's cultural and artistic development.
Several of Ichmouratov's compositions draw inspiration from the history and folk traditions of the province of Quebec, where the composer has been residing since 1998. The Overture "Cosmopolitan City" op.29 was commissioned by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and premiered under composer's baton with l’Orchestre Métropolitain on 12 January 2012 in Montreal. Overture constitutes a celebration of the cosmopolitan nature of the city of Montreal. Quebec folk elements in the music can be observed, as well as fragments of Armenian, Russian, Jewish, and a traditional Tatar melody, Ichmouratov's cultural origin. In 2020, a Quebec folk-inspired segment of the Overture was featured during the opening ceremony of "The National Day of Quebec" performed by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and L'Orchestre Métropolitain. Additionally, in August 2022, the same orchestra presented the Overture at the base of Mont Royal in Montreal, captivating an audience of 50,000 spectators.
Ichmouratov's Symphony in A minor "On the Ruins of an Ancient Fort" Op.55, is another example of composer's dedication to culture and history of Quebec. Inspired by Longueuil city's history and Charles le Moyne de Longueuil's character, was commissioned and performed by French-Canadian conductor Marc David and Longueuil Symphony Orchestra. In his Symphony, the composer aimed to revive the vibrancy of Longueuil, a city situated on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, tracing its history from its origins as an outpost of New France (with only the foundations of Fort Longueuil remaining) to the present day. Symphony in A minor was recorded by Jean-Philippe Tremblay and L'Orchestre de la Francophonie and released by Chandos in August 2019.
In 2021 Airat Ichmouratov composes Overture "The Bewitched Canoe" op.70, inspired by folk story "La Chasse-galerie", which is a well-known French-Canadian tale depicting lumberjacks from camps operating around the Gatineau River. In this story, the lumberjacks strike a deal with the devil, portraying a variant of the Wild Hunt. The most famous rendition of this tale was penned by Honoré Beaugrand (1848–1906). The tale made its appearance in a book of French-Canadian folktales titled "Legends of French Canada" by Edward C. Woodley. The book was originally published in 1931 and later republished in 1938.
Overture was premiered by Longueuil Symphony Orchestra in December of 2021 and in August of 2023 it was conducted by Alain Trudel and the National Academy Orchestra of Canada.
Klezmer influences
Klezmer is an instrumental musical tradition originating from the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe. The core components of this tradition encompass dance tunes, ritual melodies, and virtuosic improvisations designed for listening. Typically, these elements would be performed at events such as weddings and other social gatherings. Having an extensive experience in klezmer music after serving as a clarinetist, composer, arranger for over 23 years in the klezmer band Kleztory, Airat Ichmouratov has composed and recorded numerous works with Kleztory in the traditional klezmer style. Also, he frequently incorporated klezmer folk elements into his classical compositions.
The first time we can observe the klezmer influence in Ichmouratov's classical composition dates back to 2006, when Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces commissioned, premiered and recorded "Fantasia on klezmer themes" Op.13 for clarinet and concert band. Then in 2007, we can see klezmer inspired theme in the first movement of the "Fantastic Dances" for Clarinet, Cello and Piano with Strings and Percussion Op.15. Commissioned and recorded by Yuli Turovsky & I Musici de Montréal chamber orchestra, the world premiere of The Fantastic Dances took place at Pollack Hall on December 20, 2007. These three dances drew inspiration from Natasha Turovsky's eponymous surrealistic paintings. Then, in 2011, we can clearly observe klezmer inspired themes in his Concerto grosso N1 Op.28 for Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano and String Orchestra with Percussion. Composition is dedicated to Yuli Turovsky, with whom collaborated on multiple occasions. In 2004 Turovsky invited Ichmouratov's klezmer band Kleztory to record CD with I Musici de Montreal chamber orchestra (Chandos Records), which became a milestone in career of the band.
In the latter section of the first movement, a melismatic clarinet doina becomes a distinctive musical element that emerges. The introductory phrase of this doina plays a central role in the composition, acting as the fundamental musical motif from which Ichmouratov develops the entire concerto.The doina's origins can be traced back to Romanian folk music traditions, but now firmly rooted in the klezmer style of music.
One of the most notable indications of klezmer influence is discernible in Ichmouratov's composition “One day of an almost ordinary life” for Clarinet and String Quartet or String Orchestra Op.47 composed in 2015. It was commissioned, premiered and recorded by French-Canadian clarinetist Andre Moisan and Montreal-based Molinari String Quartet. Composition written in tradition of classical concerto works, showcasing a solo clarinet, which can optionally be paired with a bass clarinet, in three movements that linked to each other. Throughout the piece, we can discern various elements drawn from klezmer traditional music such as doina and freylech, the most common and straightforward type of klezmer dance tune, which is characterized by a time signature and is designed for group circle dances. For the principal theme of the second movement Ichmouratov used a traditional klezmer tune -Di Sapozhkelekh.
Influences from world cultures
In addition to drawing inspiration from klezmer traditional music and Quebec folk themes, Ichmouratov frequently explores the folklore of various other world cultures, including Hungarian - Overture The Myth of Falcon Op.65 (2020), Armenian - "David of Sassoon" - Symphonic Fantasy after Armenian epos Op.11 (2006), Russian - Overture Peter the Great Op.62 (2019), Overture Koliada Op.67 (2020), Overture Maslenitsa Op.36 (2013), music tale Shabarsha for Tap Dancer and String Orchestra Op.39 (2013), 3 poems after Alexandre Pushkin Op.34 for soprano and Chamber Orchestra (2012), Japanese - Trio for Harp, Viola and Flute "Fujin's Dream" Op.58 (2018), Croatian and Serbian - Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Accordion “Tales from the Dinarides” Op.48 (2016).
Critical reception
The overall reception of his body of work has been generally positive. However, certain compositions by Ichmouratov have garnered diverse descriptions in reviews, ranging from being hailed as gorgeous and expressive to critiques pointing to moments perceived as boring and somewhat lacking in originality. This feedback spans the entire spectrum of ratings. David Nice from BBC Music Magazine wrote: "I had to force myself to listen to the end of the A minor Symphony, more a symphonic tone-poem in four very conventional movements". Guy Rickards from Gramophone wrote: "the symphony is colourful and descriptive...Attractive if not great music" Michael Church of BBC Music Magazine wrote about Ichmouratov's Viola Concerto N1: "its slow movement is gorgeous". Gregor Tassie of MusicWeb International wrote: "entry by the viola in a bewitchingly beautiful theme". Frédéric Cardin of Panm360 wrote: "...rich in cushioned harmonies and orchestral moiré".
The music of Airat Ichmouratov has been performed by a wide range of ensembles and musicians in countries around the world, including Maxim Vengerov, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Jonathan Crow, Alexis Hauser, Alexander Gilman and LGT Young Soloists, Robert Langevin, Alain Trudel, Max Pollak, Stéphane Tétreault, Evgeny Bushkov & Moscow Virtuosi Chamber orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Quebec Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Métropolitain, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Agnieszka Duczmal & Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Polish Radio, Les Violons du Roy, Orchestra London, New Orford String Quartet, Yuli Turovsky & I Musici de Montreal, Alcan Quartet, Molinari Quartet, Sinfonia Toronto, in concert halls such as Vienna Musikverein, Konzerthaus Berlin, ElbPhilarmonie, Tonhalle Zürich, Sydney Opera House, Montreal Symphony House, and others.
Ichmouratov was named as Resident Composer 2012 at Concerts aux îles du Bic (Canada), in 2013 Composer of Summer at Orford Arts Centre (Canada) and in 2015 Summer Composer at 17e édition of Festival Classique des Hautes-Laurentides (Canada). Since 2010 Ichmouratov is Associate Composer with Canadian Music Centre.
Discography
Klezmer music, Kleztory (2002)
Barber, Copland, Britten, Bruch, Kazan Chamber Orchestra La Primavera - Ak Bars (2002)
Klezmer, Kleztory, Yuli Turovsky & I Musici de Montreal Chamber Orchestra - Chandos Records (2004)
Nomade, Kleztory, Opus Award winner 2007 - Amerix (2007)
Shostakovich, Weinberg, Ichmouratov, I Musici de Montreal Chamber Orchestra - Analekta (2008)
Symphonique, Le Vent du Nord et Quebec Symphony Orchestra - CBC (2010)
Carte Postale, Alcan Quartet - ATMA Classique (2011)
Beethoven, Violin Concerto (cadenzas by Ichmouratov), Symphony No. 7, Alexandre Da Costa, Taipei Symphony Orchestra - Warner Classics (2013)
Arrival, Kleztory - Amerix (2014)
Tales from the Dinarides, Michael Bridge, Guillaume Tardif, Kornel Wolak - Wirth Institute (2017)
Klezmer Dreams, Andre Moisan, Jean Saulnier and Molinari Quartet - ATMA Classique (2017)
Nigun, Kleztory - Amerix (2017)
Melodies of Nations, Romic – Moynihan Duo - Hedone Records (2017)
Letter From an Unknown Woman, Three Romances for Viola, Concerto Grosso No. 1 – Belarusian State Chamber Orchestra, Evgeny Bushkov – Chandos (2019)
Youth' Overture, Maslenitsa Overture, Symphony, Op.55 'On the Ruins of an Ancient Fort' – Orchestre de la Francophonie, Jean-Philippe Tremblay – Chandos (2020)
Momentum, Kleztory - Chandos (2020)
Julia MacLaine, Preludes - Analekta (2022)
Ichmouratov: Viola Concerto No.1 / Piano Concerto – London Symphony Orchestra, Airat Ichmouratov conductor – Chandos (2023)
Meeting Point, Kleztory - Amerix (2023)
Destins Tragiques, I Musici de Montreal, Elvira Misbakhova viola - ATMA Classique (2023)
List of compositions
Opera
The Man Who Laughs after Victor Hugo's novel "L'Homme qui rit" Op.75 (2023)
Orchestra
Symphony in A minor Op.55 "On the Ruins of Ancient Fort" (2017)
David of Sassoon - Symphonic Fantasy after Armenian epos Op.11 (2006)
Overture Halloweenesque Op.21 (2009)
Overture Ville Cosmopolite Op.29 (2012)
Overture Maslenitsa Op.36 (2013)
Overture Youth Op.50 (2016)
Overture Peter the Great Op.62 (2019)
Overture The Myth of Falcon Op.65 (2020)
Overture Koliada Op.67 (2020)
Overture The Bewitched Canoe Op.70 (2021)
Concerti with orchestra
Concerto for Viola N1 with Symphony Orchestra Op.7 (2004)
Concerto for Viola N2 with String Orchestra and harpsichord (in Baroque style) Op.41 (2015)
Concerto for Oboe and Strings with Percussions Op.6 (2004)
Concerto for Flute and Symphony Orchestra Op.64 (2020)
Concerto for Cello N1 with String Orchestra and percussion Op.18 (2009)
Concerto for Cello N2 with Symphony Orchestra and percussion Op.57 (2018)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra Op 40 (2014)
Double Concerto for Violin and Cello Op.66 with Strings, Piano and Percussion (2020)
Concerto grosso N1 Op.28 for Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano and String Orchestra with Percussion (2011)
Concerto grosso N2 Op.60 for Violin, Flute (recorder)and Harp with String Orchestra (2018)
Concerto grosso N3 Op.68 "Liechtenstein" for 2 Violins,Viola, Cello and String Orchestra (2021)
Fantasy for Viola and Orchestra on D.Shostakovich's opera "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District" Op.12 (2006)
Three Romances for Viola, Strings and Harp Op.22 (2009)
Capriccio Rustico for Cello and Orchestra Op.26 (2010)
The Ride of Cello Vello Buffon for Cello with Orchestra Op.27 (2010)
Fantastic Dances for Clarinet, Cello and Piano with Strings and Percussion Op.15 (2007)
The Final Procession for Clarinet, Cello and Piano with Strings and Percussion Op.37 (2013)
The Arrival to the City for Clarinet, Cello and Piano with Strings and Percussion Op.38 (2013)
Shabarsha for Tap Dancer and String Orchestra Op.39 (2013)
Elegy for Violin and String Orchestra Op.32 (2012)
Adagio and Allegro con brio for Violin and String Orchestra Op.43 (2015)
Windcatcher for Clarinet and String Orchestra Op.17 (2008)
Fantasia on klezmer themes No.1 Op.13 (2006)
Sarasatiana Op.20 for 5 Violins and String Orchestra (2009)
Chamber music
Trio "Tales from the Dinarides", Op 48 for Violin, Clarinet, and Accordion (2016)
Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano Op.61 (2019)
Trio for Harp, Viola and Flute "Fujin's Dream" Op.58(2018)
Trio "Nocturne" for soprano, cello, and piano op.71 (2023)
String Quartet No. 1 Op.1 (2003)
String Quartet No.2 Op.5 / Chamber Symphony N2 for String Orchestra Op.5A (2009)
String Quartet No. 3 Op.25 / Chamber Symphony N3 for String Orchestra Op.25A (2010)
String Quartet N4 Op.35 / Chamber Symphony N4 for String Orchestra Op.35A (2013)
Woodwind Quintet Op.63 (2019)
12 Preludes for woodwind Quintet Op.8 (2005)
Sonata for Clarinet and Piano "The Bells" Op.9 (2005)
Two pieces Viola and Piano Op.10 (2005)
Fantasia on klezmer themes No.2 Op.16 for Clarinet, Piano and String Quartet (2008)
Largo for Sanja for Oboe and Piano Op.46
One day of an almost ordinary life for Clarinet and String Quartet Op.47 / Clarinet and String Orchestra Op.47A (2015)
String Octet "Letter from an Unknown Woman" Op.56 after Stefan Zweig's novella "Letter from an Unknown Woman"
The Ninth Wave Op.61, tone-poem for Strings (2019)
Vocal
3 poems after Alexandre Pushkin Op.34 for soprano and Chamber Orchestra (2012)
Nocturne for soprano, cello, and piano op.71 (2023)
Choir
Luc Aeterna for viola, cello, harp , and choir Op.76 (2023)
Music for children
Variations on Children's Theme Op.23 for Strings and Harp (2010)
The Sorcerer's Hat Op.24 music tale, based on story by Tove Jansson (2010)
Chamber Suite from "The Sorcerer's Hat" Op.24 A (2010)
"Shuburchunchiki " Op.19 (2010)
Music tale "When land became Water", with Puppet Theater and Chamber Orchestra after Neeta Premchand's book (2019)
Giraffe Op.48 or String Orchestra (2016)
Music tale "Shabarsha" for Tap Dancer and String Orchestra Op.39 (2013)
“Ares” the god of War, Op.59 a piece for youth orchestra (2019)
Violin solo
Klezmer Cadenzas for Beethoven Violin Concerto Op.33 (2012)
Cello solo
Praeludium in G Major for Cello Solo, Op. 69 (2021)
Piano solo
6 Preludes for Piano Op.44 (2015)
Klezmer
Jew in Rio for klezmer band Op.2 (2000)
Bolero for klezmer band Op.3 (2000)
The song of the Dead Sea for klezmer band Op.4 (2006)
Clarinet Doina For clarinet, klezmer band and with Symphony Orchestra Op.30 (2012)
Gut Yontev For klezmer band and Symphony Orchestra Op.31 (2012)
My Mother’s Nigun Op.45 for klezmer band (2015)
Little Khosidl Op.46 for klezmer band (2016)
Hora in G for Op.49 klezmer band (2016)
Churchill street Hora Op.51 for klezmer band (2016)
Freilakh for klezmer band Op. 52 (2016)
Soulmate Op.53 for klezmer band (2016)
Waltz Op.54 for klezmer band (2016)
The Wonderer Op. 71 for klezmer band (2022)
Freilakh Op.72 for klezmer band (2022)
Personal life
Ichmouratov is married to violist and violinist Elvira Misbakhova, and they have two daughters.
See also
Documentary Film "Ascent" about Airat Ichmouratov on TV channel Russia-1 Tatarstan
Interview with Airat Ichmouratov on Airelibre.tv
Interview with Airat Ichmouratov on Global News Montreal
References
External links
Official website
Kleztory klezmer group
Canadian Music Centre
Russian male composers
Canadian composers
Canadian male composers
Klezmer musicians
Tatar people
1973 births
Living people
Université de Montréal alumni
21st-century Russian conductors (music)
Russian male conductors (music)
21st-century Russian male musicians
21st-century Canadian male musicians
Kazan Conservatory alumni
Canadian classical musicians