Aleksandr Grechaninov, in full Aleksandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov, Grechaninov also spelled Gretchaninov, (born Oct. 13 , 1864, Moscow, Russia—died Jan. 4, 1956, New York, N.Y., U.S.), Russian composer notable for his religious works and children's music Around 1896, Gretchaninov returned to Moscow and was involved with writing for the theatre, the opera and the Russian Orthodox Church. His works, especially those for voice, achieved considerable success within Russia, while his instrumental works enjoyed even wider acclaim. By 1910, he was considered a composer of such distinction that the Tsar awarded him an annual pension.