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.
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.
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.
Piano Trio in D major, 1st movementAlexander Borodin
Piano Trio in D major: I.
Allegro con brio; II.
Romance – Andante; III.
Intermezzo – Tempo di Menuetto.
The finale does not survive.
Performed by Rachel, Jessica, and Bud.
Piano Quintet in C minor, 1st movementAlexander Borodin
From the Piano Quintet in C minor, Movement I: Andante.
Performed by Leonid Tsui, piano, and the Miami String Quartet: violinists Ivan Chan and Cathy Meng Robinson, violist Chauncey Patterson, and cellist Keith Robinson.
Second Movement from the Piano Quintet in C minorAlexander Borodin
From the Piano Quintet in C minor, Movement II: Scherzo.
Performed by: piano – Nil Sole Bachs; violins – Clara Garriga Traugott and Pol Risvanoglu Collado; viola – Jordi Freixa Giner; cello – Emma Salsuela Castro.