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)
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.
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.
A masterpiece by Alexander Borodin. Popular classical music (41–50)
Petite Suite, Op. 1: No. 5 “Reverie”Alexander Borodin
While working as a chemist and physician, Alexander Borodin deeply loved Russian folk songs and produced many works inspired by them.
The fifth piece, Reverie, from his representative piano miniatures Petite Suite, Op.
1, is a captivating work whose delicate, lyrical melody conjures a dreamlike, fantastical atmosphere.
Filled with Borodin’s rich sensibility and the characteristic beauty of Russian music, this masterpiece is highly recommended for those who want to fully savor the charm of Russian music or who love lyrical compositions.
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.