Post written on 9th May 2020.
Here is a 1937 recording of Abram Dyakov and David Oistrakh playing L-C. Daquin’s The Cuckoo. https://youtu.be/7OnHBLZLKuY
Abram Borisovich Dyakov (1904-1941), was a prominent Soviet pianist and a Professor of chamber ensemble at the Moscow Conservatory. On 5 July 1941, despite being offered an exemption, along with many other conservatory staff and students he volunteered to fight at the front, joining the 8th Moscow Rifle Division of the People's Militia, and taking part in defending Moscow from the Nazis. In autumn 1941 Dyakov tragically died after being captured in an encirclement. It is thanks to the sacrifices of millions of people like Dyakov that Nazism was overcome 75 years ago.