Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 10, 2026
News editorial office
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Today, the legendary composer and film music genius Alexander Zatsepin celebrates his centenary! During his prolific career, he wrote melodies for over 120 films and cartoons and composed over 300 songs, many of which became timeless hits. In honor of this significant event, we recall the key milestones in the life and work of Zatsepin, whose work is closely associated with the Mosfilm studio.
Alexander Sergeyevich Zatsepin was born on March 10, 1926. He spent his childhood and adolescence in Novosibirsk. He didn't immediately pursue film and music – after graduating from high school, Zatsepin enrolled in the Novosibirsk Institute of Railway Engineers. From the institute, he was drafted into the army, and while in military service, the future composer taught himself to play several musical instruments. In 1956, Zatsepin graduated from the Alma-Ata Conservatory with a degree in composition. His graduation work was the ballet "Old Man Hottabych," which was soon staged at the Alma-Ata Opera and Ballet Theater.
Alexander Zatsepin in the 1960s
After graduating from the conservatory, Alexander Zatsepin joined the Kazakhfilm studio, where he made his debut as a film composer in 1957, writing the music for the musical comedy "Our Dear Doctor." In 1958, Zatsepin moved to Moscow and began working at the Mosfilm studio. A few years later, he was invited to a fateful collaboration with the distinguished director Leonid Gaidai. Their first collaboration was "Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures" (1965), which featured Zatsepin's melodies and unusual eccentricities. As Alexander Sergeyevich admitted in an interview with Mosfilm.ru, this film remains his favorite work as a composer years later.
"Perhaps my first film with Gaidai—"Operation Y, or Shurik's Adventures"—brings back fond memories. Both of the work, and of my first collaboration with Gaidai, and of the eccentricity that had to be written for this film. A lot of unusual sounds were invented. This film is probably [my favorite]."
Zatsepin subsequently wrote the music for virtually all of Gaidai's films, including "Kidnapping, Caucasian Style, or Shurik's New Adventures" (1966), "The Diamond Arm" (1968), "The Twelve Chairs" (1971), "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession" (1973), and "Incognito from St. Petersburg" (1977).
The maestro had a long and successful creative collaboration with Leonid Gaidai
Another significant meeting for Alexander Zatsepin was with the poet Leonid Derbenev. The composer and poet worked together for many years, until Derbenev's death, and created over 100 songs that audiences remember and love to this day. "Island of Bad Luck" from "The Diamond Arm," "There Is Only a Moment" from "Sannikov Land," "Conversation with Happiness" from "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession," "This World" from "The Woman Who Sings"—these and many other musical masterpieces are the joint creations of Zatsepin and Derbenev.
In 1978, another landmark film for Soviet cinema featuring music by Alexander Zatsepin was released – Leonid Kvinikhidze's musical film "June 31." The film was one of the first Russian fantasy films, and the music played a significant role in creating the film's atmosphere. Zatsepin distinguished himself not only as a talented melodist but also as a master of electronic music and arrangements. The melodies from "June 31" were ahead of their time and remain relevant and brilliant to this day.
Composer Alexander Zatsepin at the Mosfilm Sound Studio, June 2024
Alexander Zatsepin is unique not only for his compositions but also for his approach to his profession. In the 1970s, he was the first in the country to create a home studio equal in specification to professional television or radio studios. This labor-intensive process took over two years: the composer carefully selected the space, personally handled soundproofing, and soldered and assembled many of the equipment. In subsequent years, many renowned artists, from Muslim Magomayev to musicians from the Bolshoi Theater, recorded at Zatsepin's studio. However, in recent years, Zatsepin has preferred to work at the Mosfilm Sound Studio, which boasts state-of-the-art technology.
Alexander Zatsepin has been working at Mosfilm Studios for 68 years and remains active in the industry to this day, continuing to delight audiences with his new works. For his many years of contribution to the development of Russian musical art, Alexander Zatsepin has received numerous honorary titles, awards, and prizes. Specifically, in 2003, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation. And a year ago, in March 2025, he received the title of Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation.
The Mosfilm team heartily congratulates Alexander Zatsepin on this significant anniversary and wishes him good health and continued creative success!
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.