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Милий Алексеевич Балакирев

Милий Алексеевич Балакирев

Musician · Russia · 1837–1910

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▸ Source: MusicBrainz
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Mily Balakirev was a prominent Russian composer, pianist, and conductor known for his contributions to musical nationalism.

Balakirev was awarded the Order of Saint Stanislaus for his contributions to music.

He also received the Order of Saint Stanislaus, 2nd class, recognizing his artistic achievements.

Based on: Wikidata

Biography

Early Life

Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev was born on January 2, 1837, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, into a noble family. His father, Alexey Konstantinovich Balakirev, was a titular councillor, and his mother, Elizaveta Ivanovna, was a pianist who began teaching him music at the age of four. After his mother's death from smallpox in 1847, Balakirev continued his education at the Nizhny Novgorod Noble Institute, where he developed his musical talents further.

Career

Balakirev emerged as a significant figure in Russian music, known for his role as a composer, pianist, and conductor. He was a key proponent of musical nationalism, blending traditional folk music with classical forms, a legacy that began with the influence of Mikhail Glinka. Throughout his career, he encouraged other composers, including the renowned Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. His notable works include the "Symphony No. 1 in C" and the symphonic poem "Tamara." Despite facing a nervous breakdown that led to a hiatus from music, he returned to the scene but never regained his earlier influence.

Personal Life

Balakirev remained unmarried and childless throughout his life. He was known for his liberal political views and atheism in his youth, later experiencing a spiritual transformation after a breakdown, which led him to embrace Russian Orthodoxy. His eccentricities included a deep compassion for animals and a reclusive lifestyle filled with pets and religious icons. Balakirev passed away on May 29, 1910, leaving behind a complex legacy as a pioneer of Russian classical music.

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Discography

Albums
Mussorgsky / Rachmaninov / Balakirev / Medtner / LiadovMussorgsky / Rachmaninov / Balakirev / Medtner / Liadov1996
  1. 1.Night on the Bare Mountain: Allegro feroce11:04
  2. 2.Études-Tableaux, op. 39: Allegro molto op. 39, no. 33:40
  3. 3.Études-Tableaux, op. 39: Allegro assai op. 39, no. 44:10
  4. 4.Études-Tableaux, op. 39: Lento op. 39, no. 77:59
  5. 5.Études-Tableaux, op. 39: Allegro moderato op. 39, no. 93:35
  6. 6.Preludes: Moderato op. 57, no. 12:35
  7. 7.Preludes: Allegretto op. 40, no. 21:21
  8. 8.Preludes: Allegro impetuoso op. 39, no. 41:32
  9. 9.Fairy Tales: Allegro cantabile e leggiero op. 34, no. 22:39
  10. 10.Fairy Tales: Allegro con espressione op. 20, no. 13:09
  11. 11.Fairy Tales: Allegretto tenebroso op. 34, no. 32:51
  12. 12.Romantic Sketches for the Young, op. 54: Tale (Scherzo) op. 54, II, no. 2: Allegro vivace2:43
  13. 13.Fairy Tales: Allegro molto vivace al rigore di tempo e sempre leggierissimo op. 51, no. 15:18
  14. 14.Islamey: Presto con fuoco7:58
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano Music, Vol. 1Piano Music, Vol. 11996
  1. 1.“The Spinner” in D flat3:16
  2. 2.Scherzo no. 2 in B-flat minor7:31
  3. 3.Mazurka no. 6 in A-flat5:47
  4. 4.Melodie Espagnole in D-flat3:25
  5. 5.Polka in F-sharp minor2:40
  6. 6.Nocturne no. 2 in B minor7:51
  7. 7.Tarantelle in B5:46
  8. 8.Valse de Concert (Waltz no. 4 in B-flat)5:52
  9. 9.Valse Melancholique (Waltz no. 2 in F minor)4:57
  10. 10.Mazurka no. 7 in E-flat minor6:31
  11. 11.Reminiscences de l’Opera “La Vie pour le czar” de Michel Glinka11:49
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Rimsky‐Korsakov: Scheherazade / Balakirev: RussiaRimsky‐Korsakov: Scheherazade / Balakirev: Russia1995
  1. 1.Sheherazade, Symphony Suite, op. 35: The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship9:19
  2. 2.Sheherazade, Symphony Suite, op. 35: The Kalender Prince11:21
  3. 3.Sheherazade, Symphony Suite, op. 35: The Young Prince and the Young Princess9:57
  4. 4.Sheherazade, Symphony Suite, op. 35: Festival at Baghdad – The Sea11:25
  5. 5.The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Musical Pictures, op. 57: The Tsar’s Farewell and Departure4:37
  6. 6.The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Musical Pictures, op. 57: The Tsarina in a Barrel at Sea7:23
  7. 7.The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Musical Pictures, op. 57: The Three Wonders7:10
  8. 8.Flight of the Bumble‐Bee1:35
  9. 9.Russia, Symphonic Poem16:15
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Symphony no. 1 in C major / Symphony no. 2 in D minorSymphony no. 1 in C major / Symphony no. 2 in D minor1994
  1. 1.Symphony no. 1 in C major: I. Allegro vivo - Alla breve - Più animato11:43
  2. 2.Symphony no. 1 in C major: II. Scherzo: Vivo6:52
  3. 3.Symphony no. 1 in C major: III. Andante13:05
  4. 4.Symphony no. 1 in C major: IV. Finale: Allegro moderato - Tempo di polacca8:40
  5. 5.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: I. Allegro ma non troppo10:18
  6. 6.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: II. Scherzo “Alla Cosacca”: Allegro non troppo7:05
  7. 7.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: III. Romanza: Andante7:57
  8. 8.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: IV. Finale: Tempo di polacca8:25
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Symphony no. 1 / Islamey / TamaraSymphony no. 1 / Islamey / Tamara1994
  1. 1.Symphony no. 1 in C major: Largo. Allegro vivo12:54
  2. 2.Symphony no. 1 in C major: Scherzo. Vivo7:34
  3. 3.Symphony no. 1 in C major: Andante13:48
  4. 4.Symphony no. 1 in C major: Finale. Allegro moderato8:50
  5. 5.Islamey8:56
  6. 6.Tamara22:55
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Symphony no. 2 / Russia (Symphonic Poem)Symphony no. 2 / Russia (Symphonic Poem)1994
  1. 1.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: I. Allegro ma non troppo10:25
  2. 2.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: II. Scherzo alla cosacca. Allegro ma non troppo, ma con fuoco e energico7:54
  3. 3.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: III. Romanza. Andante9:39
  4. 4.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: IV. Finale. Polonaise9:18
  5. 5.Russia, Symphonic Poem16:15
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition / Stravinsky: Petrushka (Three Movements) / Balakirev: IslameyMussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition / Stravinsky: Petrushka (Three Movements) / Balakirev: Islamey1993
  1. 1.Three Movements from Petrushka: Danse russe2:29
  2. 2.Three Movements from Petrushka: Chez Petrushka4:46
  3. 3.Three Movements from Petrushka: La semaine grasse8:32
  4. 4.Islamey (Fantaisie Orientale)8:28
  5. 5.Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade1:21
  6. 6.Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus2:30
  7. 7.Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade0:51
  8. 8.Pictures at an Exhibition: Il vecchio castello4:25
  9. 9.Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade0:27
  10. 10.Pictures at an Exhibition: Tuileries0:51
  11. 11.Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo2:55
  12. 12.Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade0:41
  13. 13.Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks1:12
  14. 14.Pictures at an Exhibition: Two Polish Jews2:16
  15. 15.Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade1:20
  16. 16.Pictures at an Exhibition: Limoges1:22
  17. 17.Pictures at an Exhibition: Catacombae2:27
  18. 18.Pictures at an Exhibition: Con mortuis in lingua mortua2:08
  19. 19.Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Hen's Legs2:58
  20. 20.Pictures at an Exhibition: The Heroes' Gate at Kiev5:43
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
The Romantic Piano Concerto, Volume 5: Balakirev: Piano Concerto no. 1 in F-sharp minor / Piano Concerto no. 2 in E-flat major / Rimsky-Korsakov: Piano Concerto in C-sharp minorThe Romantic Piano Concerto, Volume 5: Balakirev: Piano Concerto no. 1 in F-sharp minor / Piano Concerto no. 2 in E-flat major / Rimsky-Korsakov: Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor1993
  1. 1.Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, op. 30: I. Moderato - Allegretto quasi polacca6:22
  2. 2.Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, op. 30: II. Andante mosso4:16
  3. 3.Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, op. 30: III. Allegro4:04
  4. 4.Piano Concerto no. 1 in F-sharp minor, op. 113:42
  5. 5.Piano Concerto no. 2 in E-flat major, op. posth: I. Allegro non troppo13:08
  6. 6.Piano Concerto no. 2 in E-flat major, op. posth: II. Adagio10:08
  7. 7.Piano Concerto no. 2 in E-flat major, op. posth: III. Allegro risoluto8:54
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
A Russian Piano RecitalA Russian Piano Recital1993
  1. 1.Islamey (Fantasie orientale)9:11
  2. 2.The Lark5:31
  3. 3.Toccata in C minor4:37
  4. 4.Prelude in C-sharp minor, op. 9 no. 13:18
  5. 5.Nocturne in D-flat major, op. 9 no. 26:12
  6. 6.Sonata-Fantasy no. 2 in G-sharp minor, op. 19: Andante8:12
  7. 7.Sonata-Fantasy no. 2 in G-sharp minor, op. 19: Presto3:50
  8. 8.Etude in C-sharp minor, op. 2 no. 13:36
  9. 9.Etude in E major, op. 8 no. 52:08
  10. 10.Etude in F-sharp minor, op. 42 no. 42:56
  11. 11.Etude in C-sharp minor, op. 42 no. 53:16
  12. 12.Theme and variations in F-sharp minor, op. 7219:16
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
The Complete Piano Music, Vols. 1 & 2: Fantasies, Nocturnes and SonatasThe Complete Piano Music, Vols. 1 & 2: Fantasies, Nocturnes and Sonatas1993
  1. 1.Islamey - Oriental Fantasy8:58
  2. 2.Fantasia on Themes From Glinka’s “A Life for the Tsar” (2nd version)13:51
  3. 3.Fantasiestück4:19
  4. 4.Nocturne no. 1 in B-flat minor (2nd version)6:53
  5. 5.Nocturne no. 2 in B minor9:59
  6. 6.Nocturne no. 3 in D minor7:04
  7. 7.Capriccio10:31
  8. 8.Sonata no. 1 in B-flat minor, op. 5: I. Andante12:09
  9. 9.Sonata no. 1 in B-flat minor, op. 5: II. Mazurka4:36
  10. 10.Sonata no. 1 in B-flat minor, op. 5: III. Andante7:53
  11. 11.Sonatina (Esquisses): I. Allegro moderato2:08
  12. 12.Sonatina (Esquisses): II. L’Istesso tempo2:02
  13. 13.Sonatina (Esquisses): III. Coda - poco a poco piu agitato1:32
  14. 14.Sonata in B-flat minor: I. Andantino8:50
  15. 15.Sonata in B-flat minor: II. Mazurka - moderato6:53
  16. 16.Sonata in B-flat minor: III. Intermezzo - larghetto4:38
  17. 17.Sonata in B-flat minor: IV. Finale9:28
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition / Balakirev: Islamey / Tchaikovsky: Children’s AlbumMussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition / Balakirev: Islamey / Tchaikovsky: Children’s Album1992

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Symphony No 2 ∙ Tamara ∙ Overture On Three Russian ThemesSymphony No 2 ∙ Tamara ∙ Overture On Three Russian Themes1992
  1. 1.Overture on Three Russian Themes9:10
  2. 2.Symphonic Poem “Tamara”21:59
  3. 3.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: I. Allegro ma non troppo10:05
  4. 4.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: II. Scherzo “alla Cosacca”: Allegro non troppo, ma con fuoco ed energico8:38
  5. 5.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: III. Romanza: Andante9:08
  6. 6.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: IV. Finale: Tempo di Polacca8:44
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Symphonies 1 and 2 / Russia / Tamara / Overture on Three Russian ThemesSymphonies 1 and 2 / Russia / Tamara / Overture on Three Russian Themes1992
  1. 1.Symphony no. 1 in C major: I. Largo - Allegro vivo13:38
  2. 2.Symphony no. 1 in C major: II. Scherzo: Vivo - Poco meno mosso8:17
  3. 3.Symphony no. 1 in C major: III. Andante13:29
  4. 4.Symphony no. 1 in C major: IV. Finale: Allegro moderato - Tempo di Polacca9:10
  5. 5.Symphonic Poem “Russia”15:10
  6. 6.Overture on Three Russian Themes9:10
  7. 7.Symphonic Poem “Tamara”21:59
  8. 8.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: I. Allegro ma non troppo10:05
  9. 9.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: II. Scherzo “alla Cosacca”: Allegro non troppo, ma con fuoco ed energico8:38
  10. 10.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: III. Romanza: Andante9:08
  11. 11.Symphony no. 2 in D minor: IV. Finale: Tempo di Polacca8:44
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition / Hopak / On the Southern Shore of the Crimea / Une larme / Balakirev: IslameyMussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition / Hopak / On the Southern Shore of the Crimea / Une larme / Balakirev: Islamey1991

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
181218121991

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano SonatasPiano Sonatas1990

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Symphony no. 1 / TamaraSymphony no. 1 / Tamara1990

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Balakirev: The Lark / Sonata in B-flat minor / Scriabin: Two Poems, op. 32 / Sonata no. 3 in F-sharp minor, op. 23 / Vers la flamme, op. 72Balakirev: The Lark / Sonata in B-flat minor / Scriabin: Two Poems, op. 32 / Sonata no. 3 in F-sharp minor, op. 23 / Vers la flamme, op. 721988

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Russian Piano MusicRussian Piano Music1986

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Chopin Suite / In Bohemia / King Lear Overture / Overtures on a Spanish March ThemeChopin Suite / In Bohemia / King Lear Overture / Overtures on a Spanish March Theme1985

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Balakirev: Symphony no. 1 in C / Liadov: PolonaiseBalakirev: Symphony no. 1 in C / Liadov: Polonaise1984

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Music by Mussorgsky, Balakirev, Rimsky-Korsakov, BorodinMusic by Mussorgsky, Balakirev, Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin1971

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Balakirev: Tamar Symphonic Poem / Liadov: Orchestral MusicBalakirev: Tamar Symphonic Poem / Liadov: Orchestral Music1968

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Thamar - Symphonic Poem / Orchestral MusicThamar - Symphonic Poem / Orchestral Music1954

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Symphony no. 1 in CSymphony no. 1 in C1952

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify

Achievements

Award
Order of Saint Stanislaus, 2nd class
Award
Order of Saint Stanislaus

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Archive

Passport
Born

1837-01-02

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Died

1910-05-29

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Country

RU

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Instruments

piano

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Identifiers & aliases

Also known as: Balakireff, Balakirew, Mili Balakirev, Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev, Mily Balakirev, Mily Balakriev

Disambiguation

composer, pianist, conductor

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
ISNI

000000011065759X

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Description

Russian composer, pianist, and conductor (1837–1910)

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Extract from Wikipedia

Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev 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.

▸ Source: Wikipedia
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