Balakirev biography

Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev was a prominent Russian composer, conductor, and pianist who played a crucial role in the development of Russian classical music during the 19th century.

Early Life

Born on January 2, 1837, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Balakirev displayed prodigious musical talent from a young age.

Under the guidance of his mother, a pianist, and later Alexander Dubuque, a notable local pianist and composer, he honed his skills on the piano.

Career

At the age of 18, Balakirev moved to St. Petersburg, eager to pursue a career in music.

There, he studied composition with Karl Eisrach and Alexander Ulybyshev. It was during his time in St. Petersburg that he encountered fellow composers Modest Mussorgsky, César Cui, Alexander Borodin, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, forming what would become known as “The Mighty Handful” or “The Five.” Together, they sought to create a distinctly Russian style of classical music, drawing inspiration from