Vasily Agapkin

Vasily Agapkin, born on January 22, 1884, in the Ryazan Governorate, was a distinguished Russian and Soviet composer, trumpeter, and conductor. He is best known for his iconic march, "Farewell of Slavianka," composed in 1912 while studying at the Tambov musical school from 1912 to 1915. This piece became a symbol of Russian patriotism and remains celebrated to this day.

In 1918, following the October Revolution, Agapkin voluntarily joined the Red Army, where he organized a brass band for the 1st Red Hussar Regiment. His contributions to military music were significant, and by 1920, he returned to Tambov to direct the music studio and the orchestra of the GPU troops. His orchestra gained prominence, culminating in a farewell concert in Tambov on August 5, 1922, before relocating to Moscow.

Agapkin's orchestra played a notable role in the state funeral of Vladimir Lenin in January 1924. He continued to influence the music scene by forming a brass band of street children in 1928, providing many with their first steps into a professional music career. Throughout the 1930s, he led the orchestra of the Higher School of the NKVD of the USSR, producing several recordings that showcased his talent.

His leadership extended to the Band of the Dzerzhinsky Division of the NKVD, and he conducted the combined Russian military bands during the historic Red Square October Revolution Parade on November 7, 1941. "Farewell of Slavianka" was one of the four marches performed at this event, and it has since been a staple in Victory Day Parades across Russia, honoring Agapkin's lasting legacy. His music has also been featured in films such as "The Cranes Are Flying" (1957) and "72 Meters" (2004).