Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev

pianosintheparks.com – Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev (UK: /bəˈlækɪrɛv, –ˈlɑːk-/ bə-LA(H)K-i-rev, US: /ˌbɑːlɑːˈkɪərɛf/ BAH-lah-KEER-ef; Russian: Милий Алексеевич Балакирев,; 2 January 1837 [O.S. 21 December 1836] – 29 May [O.S. 16 May] 1910 was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor known today primarily for his work promoting musical nationalism and his encouragement of more famous Russian composers, notably Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. He began his career as a pivotal figure, extending the fusion of traditional folk music and experimental classical music practices begun by composer Mikhail Glinka. In the process, Balakirev developed musical patterns that could express overt nationalistic feeling. After a nervous breakdown and consequent sabbatical, he returned to classical music but did not wield the same level of influence as before.

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Russian pianist and composer, who remains best known as the founder of the group of nationalist composers called “the five” or “the mighty handful”, comprising himself, Borodin, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakand Cesar Cui.

Together they wanted to counter the Germanic influences on Russian music. They were also proud of their amateur backgrounds: Balakirev worked as a railway administrator and claimed to have had only ten piano lessons in his life. His music is not particularly well known today, except for the virtuoso piano piece Islamey, which remains a popular challenge for pianists.