December 25, 1858] 1859[a][1][2] – February 16, 1930[3]) was a Russian cellist who premiered many cello pieces of prominent composers including Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

[4][5] Born as Russian classical music was flourishing in the middle of the 19th century,[6] he worked with many of the important composers and musicians of the day, including performances with Anton Rubinstein and Alexander Siloti.

[7] As a soloist, he excelled in performance and was especially noted for stylish interpretations, his refined temperament, and beautiful, expressive tone.

But the most decisive influence on him was hearing Hector Berlioz conduct Beethoven's Fifth Symphony when the French composer visited St Petersburg and Moscow in 1867-68.

[3] He became a student of German cello virtuoso Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, discussed music theory with Tchaikovsky, and played in string quartets with celebrity musicians.

[3] On March 5, 1878, he gave his first solo concert, sponsored by Nikolai Rubinstein, but unable to secure a permanent audience, he went abroad.

"[4] He assisted writer Ivan Turgenev, and through him made many friends and connections, among them pianists Anton Rubinstein, Anna Yesipova, and Alexander Siloti, and conductor Leopold Auer.

In 1890, Tchaikovsky urged the Moscow Conservatory to hire him as cello professor, but the Director of the school, Vasily Safonov, declined, believing him too young for the job.

[7] Brandukov spent time in Lausanne, Switzerland,[7] and in Paris, performing the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto with the composer conducting.

This was a close friend, generously spreading his spiritual wealth, whose lessons became a revelation..."[7] After the 1917 October Revolution, he became a member of the Bolshoi Theater, organizing the symphony orchestra and speaking at concert events.