Though less well known today, Anton Arensky (link to: ) (1861-1906) was a familiar presence in the Russian music community in the late 19 th century. A student of Rimsky-Korsakov in St. Petersburg, Arensky became one of the youngest professors at the Moscow Conservatory after his graduation, teaching harmony and counterpoint to Rachmanininoff and Scriabin, among others.

Arensky’s first opera, Son na Volge, brought him great acclaim, but his second, Rafael, was less successful. He excelled primarily in shorter forms, though his variations for string orchestra on a theme by Tchaikovsky have earned a lasting place in contemporary concert repertory, as has his piano trio. Overall, the styles of Chopin and Tchaikovsky are most strongly evident in his compositions. He is remembered, not only as a composer, but also as a fine teacher, pianist, and conductor. He died fairly early, at age 45, from tuberculosis.