Beresovsky Maximus Sognovitch

Beresovsky Maximus Sognovitch a Russian composer of sacred music, and first reformer of the. ecclesiastical chant in Russia, was born in 1795 in the city of Glouchkoff, which was also the birthplace of another great musician, M. Bortniausky. Beresovsky studied at first at the ecclesiastical academy of Kieff. Being called, on account of his fine voice, to the chapel of the empress Elizabeth, he was there the object of general admiration. He was sent, at the expense of the crown, to perfect himself in singing and composition, at Bologna, with Martini, the most celebrated professor of the epoch. He spent nine years at Bologna, where he became master of the chapel and member of the Academy. On account of harsh deceptions which awaited him on his return to Russia, he obtained neither the consideration nor employment he had anticipated. He died of chagrin two years after. The compositions of this predecessor of Bortniausky are numerous and breathe a profound sentiment, and are simple as well as expressive. His reforms were welcomed throughout all Russia. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.