Andrey Petrov (1930-2006) was born in Leningrad. In 1954 he graduated from the Leningrad Conservatoire, where he studied composition at professor O. A. Yevlakhov’s class. Among the titles he was awarded were the laureate of State USSR Prizes (1967, 1976), Russia (1996), Russia President’s Prize (1990), People’s artist of the USSR (1990). The cinematographic prizes were the ''Nika'' (1992) and ''Golden Ram'' (1995). Having become the chairman of the Leningrad Composers’ Union in 1964 he headed it till the last days of his life, while in 1992 he started the activity of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society’s president. Andrey Petrov was the Honoured Citizen of St. Petersburg. The planet discovered in 1994 was given his name.
The Compozitor Publishing House - Saint-Petersburg plans to issue Collected Works by Andrey Petrov in 20 volumes. This is a 16th volume.
Two vocal cycles by Andrey Petrov are published this time - ''Simple Songs'' to Gianni Rodari’s verses for soprano and basso with piano and ''Five Merry Songs for Children'' for voice and piano to the verses of different poets. Both of the cycles reveal the features of ''big'' Petrov, although having been composed by almost a young master. Having taken listeners’ fancy, these cycles were firmly made the cream of crops of any concert repertoire. ''Big music for little ones'', - Alfred Schnittke said once about Petrov’s cycles.

Contents:

Editor’s Preface
S. Banevich. Composed by the Childhood
SIMPLE SONGS. Vocal cycle for soprano, basso and piano. Verses by G. Rodari
1. Introduction. Translated to Russian by Yu. Ilyin
2. Postman. Translated to Russian by S. Marshak
3. Maidservant. Translated to Russian by S. Marshak
4. A Mezza Voce. Translated to Russian by S. Marshak
5. Junkman. Translated to Russian by S. Marshak
6. Ciccio. Translated to Russian by S. Marshak
7. Jackboot. Translated to Russian by S. Marshak
8. Watchmaker. Translated to