Russian pianist and composer Oleg Karavaichuk dies

Legendary Russian pianist and composer Oleg Karavaichuk, known for his unorthodox and eccentric musical performances, died yesterday in St Petersburg at the age of 88.

Born in 1927 in Kiev, Karavaichuk composed the soundtrack of around 200 films, shows and ballets, working with such acclaimed film directors as Kira Muratova, Sergei Parajanov and Vasily Shukshin. Among others, he wrote the music for such films as Mum Got Married (1969, dir. Vasily Melnikov), Two Captains (1955, dir. Vladimir Vengerov), The Prince and the Pauper (1972, dir. Vadim Gaunzer), Brief Encounters (1968, dir. Kira Muratova) and The Long Goodbye (1971, dir. Kira Muratova). He was known for his provocative performances, playing the piano while on his knees, or with a pillowcase on his head.

Source: Lenta (in Russian) and Ara.cat (in Catalan)