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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A masterpiece by Alexander Borodin. Popular classical music (1–10)
From Symphony No. 2, Movement IAlexander Borodin
This is the first movement of Alexander Borodin’s Symphony No.
2.
It opens with an intense tutti in which all the strings—violins, violas, cellos, and double basses—play the same melody, leaving a strong impression.
Begun in 1869, the same year as his opera Prince Igor, Borodin himself called this first movement “épique” (“heroic”), and its relentless, rugged grandeur permeates the work, with the movement’s “heroic” theme recurring cyclically throughout.
When performed with a fiery orchestral energy, this movement is so powerful that the excitement carries into the audience.
Borodin wrote three symphonies if you include the unfinished Third, but the Second is the most famous; if you want to get to know Borodin’s music, this is the one to remember.
String Quartet No. 1 in A major, Movement III: Scherzo – Prestissimo.Alexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, a leading 19th-century Russian musician with the unusual background of being a chemist by profession.
This early work by Borodin is a string quartet composed solely for strings, with the third movement in particular written in the lighthearted scherzo form.
It is performed at a very fast tempo and is characterized by rapidly shifting rhythms among the string instruments.
While placing importance on Western classical forms, Borodin also brings out his distinctive melodic sensibility.
Completed in August 1879 and premiered in St.
Petersburg in December of the following year, this piece is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for anyone wishing to discover the appeal of the string quartet.
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.
Alexander Borodin's masterpieces: Popular classical music (11–20)
String Quartet No. 2, 1st MovementAlexander Borodin
Among the string quartets composed by Alexander Borodin, this is one of the finest.
His String Quartet No.
2 in D major—famed for the lyrically beautiful and popular “Nocturne”—is often performed.
While the third movement is the most well-known of the four, the first movement is also a gem, with a sweet, tender melody and a touch of transience that could make you fall in love at first hearing.
It begins with a cello solo that is passed to the first violin, features engaging interplay among the instruments, and is immensely rewarding to perform.
There is an anecdote that Borodin composed it to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his declaration of love to his wife, Ekaterina Sergeyevna Protopopova, making it a wonderful string quartet filled with love.
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.