Nikolai Razumnikovich Kochetov, a renowned Russian composer, conductor, music educator, painter, and critic in the fields of music and art, was born in Oranienbaum, which was located in the Saint Petersburg province. From 1875 to 1883, he studied at the Kreiman Gymnasium in Moscow, and in 1889 he completed his studies at the law faculty of Moscow University. For some time, he worked in the judicial system, but then fully dedicated himself to music.

Kochetov studied under notable musicians such as German Augustovich Laroche and Max Erdmannsdörfer. As early as 1886, he began writing articles about music, and from 1895, he started performing as a conductor.

In 1902, Kochetov moved to Moscow, where he settled in Khlebny Lane and began conducting the orchestra at the Solodovnikov Theater. From 1906, he taught at the Synodal School, and later, in 1918 and the 1920s, at the People's Choral Academy, which was established on its basis. In 1921, he participated in the creation of the State Institute of Musical Science.

Kochetov wrote numerous works, including his 1st Symphony and music for the tragedy "The Destruction of Polotsk" by A. V. Amfiteatrov in 1884, the "Arab Suite" for symphony orchestra in 1888, the opera "Terrible Revenge" based on a story by N. V. Gogol in 1903, his 2nd Symphony in 1911, and a piano concerto with orchestra in 1922. He also created "Eastern Sketches," romances, serenades, choruses, marches, and other musical works.

Kochetov passed away on January 3, 1925, in Moscow.