The First Symphony by Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev took thirty-three years to complete, illustrating the slow and meticulous pace that defined his career as a Russian composer and pedagogue. Born in 1837 in Nizhny Novgorod, he emerged as a pivotal figure in Russian music, fostering a nationalist aesthetic that bridged traditional folk influences with experimental classical structures.
Early Education and Influences
Balakirev attended the Nizhny Novgorod Institute of nobility from 1849 to 1853 before enrolling at Kazan Imperial University between 1853 and 1855. His formal training was supplemented by the patronage of Alexander Ulybyshev, who provided access to an extensive library and private orchestral rehearsals. By age 14, Balakirev was conducting performances of Mozart's Requiem, and by 15, he was leading rehearsals of Beethoven symphonies.
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In the late 1850s, Balakirev collaborated with critic Vladimir Stasov to organize a group of nationalist composers known as The Five. This collective included Alexander Borodin, César Cui, Modest Mussorgsky, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. As the only professional musician in the group at its inception, Balakirev exerted significant influence over the aesthetic direction of his peers, encouraging their compositional output through shared musical beliefs.
Professional Roles and Later Life
Beyond his creative output, Balakirev held several administrative and pedagogical roles, including work at the Free Music School from 1868 to 1874, the Saint Petersburg – Warsaw Railway between 1872 and 1881, and the Saint Petersburg Court Capella starting in 1883. His compositions were often delayed by long intervals, though his oriental fantasy Tamara remains a notable work. He was recognized for his contributions with the Order of Saint Stanislaus and the Order of Saint Stanislaus, 2nd class.
Fast facts
- Born: 1837, Nizhny Novgorod
- Died: 1910, Saint Petersburg
- University education: Kazan Imperial University
- Notable member: The Five
- Notable work: Tamara
- Awards: Order of Saint Stanislaus
- Burial site: Tikhvin Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of The Five?
The Five were a group of nationalist composers who sought to express overt Russian nationalistic feeling in music, guided by Balakirev's tutelage and expertise.
Where is Mily Balakirev buried?
He is buried at the Tikhvin Cemetery in Saint Petersburg.
Achievements
- Order of Saint Stanislaus, 2nd class
- Order of Saint Stanislaus
- Notable work: Tamara
- Instruments: piano
- Genres: symphony
