Aleksandr Serov started his career as a lawyer and an executive in public service. In 1855, Serov left the government and became a writer and music critic. Serov was regarded the most important and powerful Russian music critic. A prolific composer, Serov wrote many works in various genres. Serov’s better known opera, Judith, was enthusiastically received at the Mariyinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Serov enjoyed the patronage of the Russian Tsar.