Vladislav Mikhaylovich Blazhevich was born in Tregubovko, in the government of Smolensk, on 3rd August 1881. He was a trombonist, teacher, conductor and composer. After obtain ing his diploma at the Moscow Conservatoire in 1905, he became solo trombone in the Bolshoi Theatre orchestra, where he remained until 1928. He was professor of trombone at Moscow Conservatoire from 1922 until his death on 10th April 1942. In 1937 he was appointed head of the department of wind instruments in the military faculty of the Moscow Conservatoire and conductor of the state wind band.

Blazhevich was one of the founders of the Soviet trombone and tuba school. He was a remarkable performer, a superb teacher and an exceptional composer. He remained very active throughout his life.

As a composer he left many of all kinds. We might mention the 'Collective Playing Method for Wind Instruments' (1939), the 'Trombone and Tuba Method' and the 'Thirteen Concertos, Pieces and Studies for Different Instruments and Wind Band'. His works mark an important stage in the development of musical performance for trombone and tuba players and are essential for music college libraries.

Benny Sluchin