A masterpiece by Alexander Borodin. Popular classical music.
Here is an introduction to Alexander Borodin, a composer known as one of the “Mighty Handful” (the Russian Five) in the world of classical music.
While many classical composers are full-time musicians who make their living performing or composing, Borodin was an exceptional figure: he entered the medical faculty at the University of St.
Petersburg, graduated at the top of his class, and went on to serve as an assistant professor and then professor of biochemistry at his alma mater—his primary profession was that of a chemist.
He even called himself a “Sunday composer,” and because he composed in the intervals between his scientific work, his output is not large.
Nevertheless, he left many remarkable works, including the Polovtsian Dances and his String Quartet No.
2.
Here, we present Borodin’s masterpieces, movement by movement, paired with outstanding performances.
Please enjoy these superb works that you’d never guess were written by someone whose day job was chemistry!
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Alexander Borodin's masterpieces: Popular classical music (11–20)
Overture to the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, one of the “Mighty Handful” (the group of five Russian composers centered around Mily Balakirev) in the 19th century, was a singular composer who pursued music while maintaining his primary career as a chemist.
Born in 1833, Borodin graduated at the top of his class from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of St.
Petersburg and went on to distinguish himself as a professor of chemistry.
The work in question is the result of 18 years of composition.
Set in 12th-century Russia, its grand narrative—depicting Prince Igor’s campaign, captivity, and escape—strongly reflects Russian national identity.
Interweaving themes of love, honor, and loyalty, the opera made a significant contribution to the development of Russian music.
Showcasing Borodin’s remarkable ability to balance chemistry and music, this work is highly recommended for anyone interested in Russian music.
Symphonic Poem: In the Steppes of Central AsiaAlexander Borodin
Along with the Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor, this is one of Alexander Borodin’s best-known orchestral works.
It is a masterpiece that exudes Borodin’s and quintessentially Russian character throughout.
Cast in a single movement with no extreme virtuosity and a vivid, pictorial beauty, it’s easy to perform and serves as an ideal entry piece for both orchestral players and listeners.
In 1880, to mark the 25th anniversary of the accession of Tsar Alexander II, numerous celebrations were held across Russia.
Among the commissions was music to accompany a tableau vivant, for which Borodin composed the symphonic poem In the Steppes of Central Asia.
The clarinet first sings the main theme, which is then taken up by the horn and English horn.
The overall mood is tranquil, and its sheer beauty will move many to tears.
When the final flute solo ends, an inexpressible feeling wells up—one that wishes the moment would never end.
Tarantella in D majorAlexander Borodin
Let me introduce a wonderful piano duet piece by Alexander Borodin.
Borodin’s works are characterized by strong lyricism and rich harmonies.
This composition for piano four hands features lively rhythms and melodies influenced by traditional Italian dances, demanding both technical skill and coordination from the performers.
Borodin composed it in 1862, fitting it in alongside his primary profession.
It is a work that conveys his passion for music.
Highly recommended for those interested in classical music and for anyone who enjoys playing the piano.
Polka ‘Helene’Alexander Borodin
In 19th-century Russia, Alexander Borodin earned high acclaim as a composer while also distinguishing himself as a scientist.
Although he called himself a “Sunday composer,” he left behind remarkable works such as In the Steppes of Central Asia and Prince Igor.
This lively piano piece was composed by Borodin when he was just nine years old.
He later arranged it for piano four hands, and it is said to reflect his feelings for his first love.
With its bright, cheerful rhythms, the piece offers a glimpse of Borodin’s budding musical genius.
From Symphony No. 2, Movement IVAlexander Borodin
Here is an introduction to a work by Alexander Borodin, a composer who represents the Russian music world.
Although Borodin was a chemist with a doctorate in medicine, he taught himself music and composed his Symphony No.
2.
Written intermittently between 1869 and 1876, this piece portrays a heroic Russian world.
The fourth movement is especially brilliant and valiant, featuring festive music that incorporates elements of Russian folk dance.
This masterpiece showcases Borodin’s originality and creativity and had a significant impact on the development of Russian music.
It is a recommended piece for those who want to feel the vast nature and history of Russia, as well as the vitality of its people.
From ‘Petite Suite’: No. 1, No. 2, and No. 6Alexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, known as one of the leading composers of the Russian nationalist school, was also a chemist, and his music is filled with deep lyricism and rich harmony.
The Petite Suite is a collection of short pieces for piano, each imbued with its own distinctive atmosphere.
From the serene “In the Monastery” to the lively “Intermezzo” and the passionate “Serenade,” these works spark the listener’s imagination.
There is also the anecdote that Liszt performed the suite in Weimar at the end of August 1885 to great acclaim.
This sparkling collection of miniatures showcases Borodin’s talent, where Russian national character blends with refined Western techniques.
Enjoy!
String Quartet No. 2: Movement IVAlexander Borodin
Born in 1833, Alexander Borodin distinguished himself as both a musician and a scientist.
He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of St.
Petersburg and continued his musical activities while serving as a professor of chemistry.
One of Borodin’s major works, his string quartet, is a piece that expresses his deep love for his wife.
In particular, the fourth movement is notable for its passionate yet delicate melodies.
As a member of the Russian nationalist school, Borodin incorporated folk songs into his music while developing it with his own distinctive harmonies.
This work is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those who enjoy romantic music.
String Quartet No. 1 in A major, Movement I: Moderato – AllegroAlexander Borodin
This String Quartet No.
1 in A major occupies an important place among Alexander Borodin’s chamber works.
The first movement unfolds from a gentle introduction into a lively Allegro, distinguished by rich melodies and harmonies.
Seamlessly blending the national elements of the Russian nationalist school with the classical formal beauty of Western Europe, this piece is a gem that encapsulates Borodin’s passion for music.
It is highly recommended for those who wish to savor the full appeal of classical music, as well as for those who want to experience the creativity of Borodin, who produced remarkable works amid a busy life.
seaAlexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin is well known for his orchestral and string works, such as the String Quartet No.
2 in D major and the Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor, but he also left behind wonderful songs.
Borodin, a Russian chemist as well as a composer, wrote the song The Sea in 1870.
This piece is a solo song with piano accompaniment that expresses the vastness and profundity of the sea.
Its richly emotional melodies, characteristic of Romantic music, are striking and quietly move the listener.
This work is a valuable piece that offers a glimpse into Borodin’s inner emotions and his view of nature.
It is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to become familiar with classical music or experience the beauty of nature through music.
Symphony No. 3Alexander Borodin
Aleksandr Porfiryevich Borodin, hailed as an important Russian nationalist composer, demonstrated outstanding talent in both music and science.
Born in 1833, Borodin graduated at the top of his class from the Medical Faculty of the University of St.
Petersburg and pursued musical activities while calling himself a “Sunday composer,” all while serving as a professor of chemistry.
This work is Borodin’s unfinished final composition, begun in 1882.
After his death, his friend Aleksandr Glazunov completed it, and it was premiered in 1888.
Known for its refined orchestration incorporating Russian folk songs, the work strongly reflects Borodin’s musical gifts and cultural background.
Expressing the melancholy of the Russian landscape, it is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those interested in Russian culture.