Deaths on February 4

Ilya Kormiltsev, Russian-English poet and translator (b. 1959)

Ilya Valeryevich Kormiltsev: A Visionary Voice of Russian Culture

Ilya Valeryevich Kormiltsev (Russian: Илья́ Вале́рьевич Корми́льцев), born on September 26, 1959, in Sverdlovsk, USSR (now Yekaterinburg, Russia), and who passed away on February 4, 2007, in London, UK, was a profoundly influential Russian figure. His multifaceted career encompassed roles as a distinguished poet, an accomplished translator, and a provocative publisher, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of both the late Soviet Union and modern Russia.

The Poetic Core of Nautilus Pompilius

Kormiltsev's most widespread acclaim stemmed from his pivotal role as the primary lyricist and, at times, producer for Nautilus Pompilius. This iconic rock band, emerging from the vibrant Sverdlovsk rock scene, became one of the most popular and influential musical groups across the Soviet Union and, subsequently, Russia during the 1980s and 1990s. Kormiltsev's lyrical genius provided the band with its distinctive voice, crafting poignant, philosophical, and often allegorical texts that resonated deeply with millions. His work with Nautilus Pompilius transcended mere songwriting, offering sharp social commentary and reflecting the intricate societal shifts and intellectual moods of the era, solidifying his status as a key figure in Russian rock music.

A Bridge Through Translation

Beyond his celebrated work in music, Kormiltsev was a highly skilled linguist with a near-native command of both English and French. This linguistic prowess enabled him to serve as a vital cultural bridge, translating a diverse range of literary works from these languages into his native Russian. His translations introduced Russian readers to significant foreign authors and ideas, further enriching the national literary discourse and demonstrating his commitment to the broader world of literature.

Ultra.Kultura: A Publishing House Challenging Norms

In 2003, Ilya Kormiltsev embarked on a new venture, founding the Ultra.Kultura publishing house, where he served as editor-in-chief until his untimely death in 2007. Ultra.Kultura quickly gained notoriety for its audacious catalogue, focusing on controversial, avant-garde, and politically charged literature that often pushed the boundaries of conventional publishing in Russia. This bold editorial policy inevitably led to confrontations with authorities.

A notable controversy erupted in 2004, when Russian authorities accused Ultra.Kultura of propagating drug use and terrorism through its publications. The most high-profile incident occurred in late 2006, when all copies of a combined Ultra.Kultura edition of Adam Parfrey's *Apocalypse Culture* and *Apocalypse Culture II* became targets of official scrutiny. Most copies of the book were subsequently seized by authorities and, in a widely reported act, were publicly destroyed by incineration. This dramatic measure was reportedly triggered by the book's inclusion of an essay by David Woodard that authorities alleged promoted recreational ketamine use. This incident underscored the fraught relationship between independent publishing and state censorship in post-Soviet Russia, highlighting Kormiltsev's unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom despite significant pressures.

Tragic End and Enduring Legacy

Ilya Kormiltsev's life was cut tragically short. During a visit to London in January 2007, he suffered a fall that resulted in a severe spinal injury. On January 22, 2007, he received the devastating diagnosis of incurable spinal cancer. He succumbed to the illness just two weeks later, on February 4, 2007, at the age of 47.

His funeral service was held at Troyekurovskoye Cemetery in Moscow, a prominent burial site for distinguished Russian figures. In a lasting tribute to his poetic impact, a monument designed by Alexander Korotich was erected in Moscow in 2009, commemorating Kormiltsev's significant contributions to Russian poetry.

Adding another layer to his complex narrative, Geydar Dzhemal, chairman of the Islamic Committee of Russia, announced that Kormiltsev had embraced Islam shortly before his passing. While initially met with denials from friends and relatives, subsequent statements confirmed that Kormiltsev had indeed been buried according to Islamic rites, shrouded in a *savan* (shroud) and oriented towards Mecca, signifying a profound personal conversion in his final moments.

Kormiltsev's legacy extends internationally: a commemorative bench dedicated to him was installed at Lincoln's Inn Fields in London, a city he frequented and where he spent his final days. Furthermore, a literary award has been established in his name, continuing to honor his contributions to literature and his spirit of independent thought.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ilya Kormiltsev

Who was Ilya Valeryevich Kormiltsev?

Ilya Valeryevich Kormiltsev was a prominent Russian poet, translator, and publisher, best known as the lyricist for the influential rock band Nautilus Pompilius, and later, as the founder of the controversial Ultra.Kultura publishing house.

What was Kormiltsev's main contribution to music?

He was the primary songwriter and lyricist for Nautilus Pompilius, one of the most popular rock bands in the Soviet Union and Russia during the 1980s and 1990s. His deep, philosophical lyrics were instrumental to the band's success and cultural impact.

What was Ultra.Kultura and why was it controversial?

Ultra.Kultura was a publishing house founded by Kormiltsev in 2003, known for publishing controversial, avant-garde, and politically charged literature. It became notorious when Russian authorities accused it of promoting drug use and terrorism, leading to the seizure and burning of certain books, most notably a compilation of Adam Parfrey's *Apocalypse Culture*.

How did Ilya Kormiltsev die?

He passed away on February 4, 2007, at the age of 47, in London, UK, from incurable spinal cancer, which was diagnosed shortly after he sustained a spinal injury from a fall.

Was Kormiltsev's religious conversion confirmed?

Initially, reports of his conversion to Islam were denied by friends and family. However, after his funeral, it was confirmed that he had been buried according to Islamic tradition, facing Mecca and shrouded in a *savan*, indicating a late-life embrace of the faith.