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 (21–30)
Little Suite, Op. 1, No. 3: Mazurka (A Simple Mazurka)Alexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, a composer of the Russian nationalist school who produced masterpieces of Russian music such as Prince Igor and In the Steppes of Central Asia.
His works strongly reflect elements of Russian folk music.
The Simple Mazurka from his Petite Suite, Op.
1, published in 1885, is especially appealing for its lively character, a Polish dance form arranged in a distinctly Russian style.
Inviting listeners to imagine scenes from a ballroom, this piece exudes a romantic atmosphere and is a piano work that absolutely deserves to be performed.
Sleeping PrincessAlexander Borodin
From the song cycle, The Sleeping Princess.
Composed by Borodin in 1867 at age 34, with lyrics written by Borodin himself.
Performed by soprano Sasha Gutiérrez, with Daniel Muñoz on piano.
The video was filmed at the National Museum of Colombia in Bogotá, Colombia.
Little Suite, Op. 1, No. 6: SerenadeAlexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, Russia’s national composer, pursued passionate musical activities alongside his primary career as a chemist.
Among his chamber works, the sixth piece from Petite Suite, Op.
1, “Serenade,” is particularly striking for its elegant melody themed around “a young maiden’s dream of love.” Its romantic tune conjures the image of a girl lost in gentle, budding feelings of affection.
Despite its calm tone, the piece is rich in emotional expression, making it a recommended listen for anyone who nostalgically recalls the bittersweet memories of youth or dreams of love.
‘Polovtsian Dances’ from the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin
This piece is from Act II of the opera Prince Igor, written by the Russian composer Borodin and based on the Russian epic The Tale of Igor’s Campaign.
It depicts the lavish songs and dances at a banquet hosted by the enemy commander Khan Konchak to entertain Prince Igor and his son Vladimir, who have been captured by the nomadic Polovtsians.
The melodies for woodwinds and harp are particularly striking, aren’t they?
Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin
Among the works of the Russian composer Borodin, this is one of the most popular pieces and is often performed on its own.
It is also frequently chosen as a free selection in wind band competitions, as it has been arranged for concert band.
The beautiful oboe melody is particularly striking.
Polovtsian Dances from Prince IgorAlexander Borodin
Nowadays often called the “Polovtsian Dances,” this famous Borodin piece is well known from covers and commercials.
It originally comes from an opera.
Its exotic melodies that evoke Central Asia and its dance rhythms make it a delightful work.
Incidentally, Borodin’s main profession was scientist.
String Quartet No. 2, Movement 1Alexander Borodin
Known as a masterpiece brimming with lyrical beauty, this string quartet captivates with its sweet, lovestruck melodies and delicate fragility.
Highlights include the theme that begins in the cello and passes to the first violin, as well as the lively interplay among the instruments.
It is also a highly rewarding piece for performers.
Begun in July 1881 and completed by September—a remarkably swift pace—the work overflows with a warm resonance filled with love.
It is an ideal choice for those who wish to savor beautiful melodies and rich expressiveness.