Vladimir Stasov

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Vladimir Vasilievich Stasov (Russian: Владимир Васильевич Стасов, 1824–1906), son of Russian architect Vasily Petrovich Stasov (1769–1848), was probably the most respected Russian critic during his lifetime. He graduated from the School of Jurisprudence in 1843, was admitted to the Imperial Academy of Arts in 1859, and was made honorary fellow of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1900, together with his friend Leo Tolstoy.

Stasov ardently supported the Peredvizhniki movement in fine arts and served as an elder advisor to the group of Russian composers known as "The Five". His correspondence with leading personalities of Russian art life is invaluable. He is known also for his opposition to music critic and erstwhile friend Alexander Serov concerning the relative merits of Glinka's two operas.

Stasov's brother, Dmitry Vasilievich Stasov (1828–1918), was a notable advocate who took part in the foundation of the Russian Music Society.