Nikita Arnoldovich Koshkin, born February 28, 1956, in Moscow, USSR, is a classical guitarist and composer. Inspired by Segovia's recordings, he pursued music despite his parents' diplomatic aspirations for him. Koshkin studied at the Moscow College of Music under Georgi Emanov and later at the Gnessin Institute. Koshkin gained prominence with his suite The Prince's Toys (1980), performed by Vladimir Mikulka. His best-known work is "Usher-Waltz" (1984), inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s story The Fall of the House of Usher, and made famous by John Williams' performance on the Seville Concert CD in 1993. Notable performers of Koshkin's works include the Assad Duo, Zagreb Trio, and Amsterdam Trio. His discography as a performer includes albums such as The Prince's Toys: Koshkin Plays Koshkin (1998) and The Well-Tempered Koshkin (2001).
