The Russian composer Edison Denisov was part of the so-called nonconformist or alternative division of Soviet music. Before deciding to become a composer, he studied mathematics. This may explain the mathematic elements in many of his works, such as changes of meter, tuplets and attempts to notate rubato (freedom of rhythm) exactly. He also made use of dodecaphonic elements.
During his study Denisov examined works of composers like Debussy, Mahler, Boulez and Stockhausen, which were difficult to obtain in the Soviet Union at that time. He also wrote a series of analytic articles on contemporary compositional techniques and experimented as a composer in order to discover his own style.
Denisov gained international recognition after several successful performances of his cycle Le soleil des Incas for soprano and chamber ensemble. However, the Union of Soviet Composers criticized the piece for its western influences, and began to ban performances of his works in the Soviet Union.
