Nicolai Amani

Russian composer and pianist Nicolai Amani began performing publicly at the age of 11. He entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1890 where he studied harmony with Anatoly Lyadov, piano with Anna Esipova, and composition under Rimsky-Korsakov.

After graduating from the St. Petersburg Conservatory, he embarked on an extensive performing tour of Russia, Italy and Germany which had to be cut short due to his failing health. The philanthropist and music patron Mitrofan Belayev helped to publish and promote his compostitons. Amani was strongly influenced by Tchaikovsky but usually composed in smaller forms such as piano miniatures.

His burgeoning career as composer and travelling pianist came to an abrupt end, however, due to complications from tuberculosis. Travelled to Yalta in Crimea where he hoped to recover from his ailment in the mild climate of the Black Sea peninsula. He died 4 October, 1904.

Nicolai Amani works available at SAXpress