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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Masterpieces by Alexander Borodin. Popular classical music (31–40)
From ‘Petite Suite’, No. 4Alexander Borodin
From Petite Suite: No.
4, Mazurka – Allegretto.
It is said that Borodin dedicated this Petite Suite to Countess Mercy-Argenteau as thanks for being invited to a concert held in Antwerp, Belgium.
Piano performed by Joseph Smith.
Andantino in G minor for String TrioAlexander Borodin
Andantino in G minor for string trio.
A work by Borodin from 1855.
Performed by violinists Imara Witherspoon and Katia Tesarczyk, and cellist Madeleine Sheard.
They appear to be students of the Altaria Chamber Music School.
String Sextet in D minorAlexander Borodin
String Sextet in D minor.
Movement I: Allegro, Movement II: Andante.
Performed by: Violin – Bin Chao, Jorge Teixeira; Viola – Lu Zhang, Leonor Braga Santos; Cello – Varoujan Bartikian, Marco Pereira.
String Quartet No. 2, Movement IIAlexander Borodin
From String Quartet No.
2 in D major, Movement II: Scherzo, Allegro.
Performed by the Macondo Chamber Players.
Violin: Andrey Baranov and José Romero; Viola: Raúl García; Cello: Francisco Villa.
The beautiful maiden has grown tired of me.Alexander Borodin
From the song cycle: “The Pretty Girl No Longer Loves Me.” Baritone solo by Henk Neven, cello by Jan Bastiaan Neven, and piano by Thomas Beijer.
From the Cello Biennale Amsterdam.
Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, active in the 19th century and one of the Mighty Five who led Russian nationalist music, composed a masterpiece beloved in the classical world: the Polovtsian Dances from his opera Prince Igor, with its richly folk-colored melodies and rhythms.
The dance of the Polovtsians in the drama conveys a sense of flowing grace within its strength, imbued with praise and reverence for Khan Konchak.
Letting you fully savor the appeal of folk music, this work is recommended not only for classical music fans but also for those encountering classical music for the first time.
Piano Trio in D majorAlexander Borodin
The works of 19th-century Russian composer Alexander Borodin are characterized by melodious, romantic qualities influenced by Russian folk songs.
The Piano Trio in D major is one of Borodin’s unfinished chamber works.
Each movement presents a different emotional character and musical expression, reflecting his musical talent and a lifelong, deep passion for music despite his profession as a scientist.
As a significant work in the piano trio repertoire, it is recommended for performers and audiences who love chamber music.
Paraphrase on an Unchanging Theme No. 3: Funeral MarchAlexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, one of the great composers Russia produced in the 19th century, balanced his primary careers as a physician and chemist with musical activities, incorporating traditional Russian folk melodies into classical music.
Paraphrases on an Unchanging Theme is a unique collaborative collection he created with fellow composers.
Its third piece, Funeral March, is a work rich in Borodin’s characteristic humor and creativity, offering a poignant melody set to a march-like rhythm.
Through performing or listening to this piece, why not experience the spirit of the Russian musical world of the late 19th century?
Petite Suite, Op. 1: No. 2 “Intermezzo”Alexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, who combined a deep love for Russian folk songs with a keen eye as a chemist, composed Intermezzo as one of the pieces in his collection Petite Suite, Op.
1.
This piano piece, part of a set that entrusts a young woman’s love to brief verses, unfolds at a leisurely tempo with an elegant melody that evokes yearning for and visions of a glittering social world.
Its delicate expression of feeling and beautiful melodic lines captivate listeners and refuse to let go.
Strongly reflecting the composer’s individuality, this work can be regarded as an excellent piece where Romantic aesthetics and emotion are tightly intertwined.
Petite Suite, Op. 1: No. 4 “Mazurka”Alexander Borodin
While working as a chemist, the Russian composer Alexander Borodin also left many outstanding works as a composer, and was active as a member of the “Mighty Handful” (The Five) alongside Mussorgsky and Balakirev.
The Mazurka from his piano collection Petite Suite, Op.
1—written over a short period—is a piece distinguished by its emotionally rich melody that evokes the Russian landscape.
Reflecting Borodin’s unique creativity and individual musical language, this work is sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.