Lazar
NikolovNikolov studied composition with Vladigerov and Dimiter Nenov at the State Academy of Music in Sofia. In 1961 he began teaching at the Bulgarian State Conservatory and later served as secretary of the Union of Bulgarian Composers (1965-69).
Even in the 1950's when the state adopted a dogmatic and nationalistic approach to the arts, Nikolov was concerned to free harmony from dependence on tonality and to establish a broader base for Bulgarian music. Predominantly a composer of "pure" music, Nikolov treats vocal music as part of instrumentation, using the timbre of the human voice to enrich the musical texture. He favors recitative and avoids vocal ensembles.
His opera-oratorio Prikovaniyat Prometey (Prometheus Bound) written in 1969 with text by A. Nichev after Aeschylus was produced in Ruse on March 24, 1974.
The comic opera Chichovtsi (Uncles) written in 1974 with text by A. Andonov after I. Vasov has yet to be produced. It introduces new dimensions to the Bulgarian stage.
He has also composed four symphonies and chamber works.