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)
Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin
This is the signature masterpiece by Alexander Borodin, one of the members of the Russian Five.
The term “Dattan” in the title refers to the people known as the Tatars—an ethnic group speaking Turkic languages—rendered in Japan using the Chinese-derived characters for Dattan; hence the titles “Dance of the Dattans” or “Polovtsian Dances.” The piece appears in Act II of the opera Prince Igor and is Borodin’s most famous work; if you know this piece well, it’s one that should lead you to know the composer Borodin himself.
It is frequently performed independently of the opera at orchestral concerts.
At the Tokyu Silvester Concert, it was chosen as the New Year’s countdown piece starting in 2016 and achieved great success under the baton of Naoto Otomo with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cello Sonata in B minorAlexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin is one of the composers who represent Russian nationalist music.
Although his primary profession was chemistry, he could not abandon his passion for music and composed in his spare time.
This early work of Borodin’s, while influenced by Bach, is a fine piece that exudes a Romantic atmosphere.
Conceived in Germany in 1860, the piece is characterized by warm melodies that reflect Borodin’s affection for the cello.
Beginning with a strict, Bach-like theme, it gradually shifts into a lyrical development reminiscent of Russian folk music, a progression that truly captivates the listener.
It is a recommended piece not only for those interested in classical music, but also for anyone wishing to discover the appeal of Russian music.
String Quartet No. 2, 3rd movementAlexander Borodin
This is the third movement from the String Quartet No.
2, often cited as a masterpiece among string quartets.
The initial cello melody, known as the “Song of Love,” serves as the first theme, which is then taken up by the first violin and beautifully repeated.
Known as the third movement “Notturno,” or “Nocturne,” it was used as both the opening and closing theme for NHK’s program Yoru no Shirabe (Evening Melodies).
This string quartet is said to have been presented by Borodin to his wife, Ekaterina Sergeyevna Protopopova—who was frail from birth—on their 20th anniversary, and this movement overflows with love.
Owing to its immense popularity, it is often performed on its own in various arrangements, including chamber orchestra and solo piano versions.
String Quartet No. 1 in A major, Second Movement: Andante con moto.Alexander Borodin
Aleksandr Borodin, regarded as one of the Russian Five, was a composer with an unusual background: his main profession was chemistry.
Born in 1833, Borodin graduated at the top of his class from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of St.
Petersburg and later served there as a professor.
He approached music as a hobby, even calling himself a “Sunday composer.” This piece was composed between 1874 and 1879, and while it shows the influence of Beethoven, it stands out for Borodin’s characteristically rich melodicism.
Lyrical and serene in atmosphere, it is notable for its structure in which the instruments pass melodies back and forth in a conversational manner.
Blending Russian folk elements with Western classical forms, this work is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for anyone seeking comfort amid a busy life.
String Quartet No. 1 in A major, Movement IV: Andante – Allegro risolutoAlexander Borodin
Here is a masterpiece of chamber music by Alexander Borodin, one of the leading Russian composers of the 19th century.
While gaining renown as a chemist, Borodin also pursued his musical career, and this ambitious work was completed in 1879.
Consisting of four movements, the piece skillfully weaves elements of Russian folk music into a harmonious balance with the formal beauty of Western classical tradition.
Opening with a tranquil introduction and developing with powerful momentum, it is a work that shines with Borodin’s characteristic lyricism and rich harmonies.
This composition is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in Russian music.
Scherzo in A-flat majorAlexander Borodin
The great 19th-century Russian composer Alexander Borodin never abandoned his passion for music, even as he achieved success as a chemist.
While working in his primary profession, he continued composing and left important works as a member of the Russian nationalist school.
This piece for piano is a captivating work that fuses Borodin’s characteristically lively rhythms with sensual melodies.
Although it lasts only about three minutes, it distills Borodin’s musicality and fully showcases the pianist’s virtuosity.
This work is recommended for those who want to become familiar with classical music or savor the charm of Russian music.
Composed during his visit to Belgium in 1885, the piece remains a valuable legacy that conveys Borodin’s talent and passion to this day.
Symphony No. 1: IV. MovementAlexander Borodin
If you ever get the chance to hear it, I’d like to introduce a truly precious hidden gem by Alexander Borodin.
This is the first symphony Borodin composed, written between 1862 and 1867.
Its premiere was a private performance within the Russian Musical Society; although it was played a few more times afterward, it never became very popular.
Still, as an orchestral work it is a fully accomplished piece.
Across its four movements, there are engaging call-and-response passages among the woodwinds, brass, and strings, and the powerful tutti sections, brimming with distinctly Russian drive, are real highlights.
If anyone connected with an orchestra is reading this, please consider performing this underrated masterpiece.
Compared to Symphony No.
2, live performances are rare, which makes any opportunity to hear it especially valuable—so if you can, be sure to go! You might be the one to spread the word about how great this piece is.