Balakirev’s Piano Works: Gemlike Masterpieces Left by the Coordinator of The Five
The “Mighty Handful,” who championed nationalism and produced many masterpieces in the Russian music world of the late 19th century.
Mily Balakirev, the group’s coordinator, left approachable works that, while influenced by his ideals—Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt—also incorporate elements of Russian folk music.
In this article, we carefully select from Balakirev’s works those performed as solo piano pieces or in ensembles that include piano!
And yes—the piece famed for being among the most difficult in the world makes an appearance… Enjoy to the very end.
Mily Balakirev’s Piano Works: Sparkling Masterpieces Left by the Leader of The Mighty Handful (Nos. 1–10)
Oriental Fantasy: IslameyMily Balakirev
Mily Balakirev, known as the coordinator of the Russian Five, advanced the music of the Russian nationalist school and left many approachable works that incorporate elements of Russian folk songs.
Inspired by the folk music he encountered during his travels in the Caucasus, his Oriental Fantasy “Islamey” is a notoriously difficult piece characterized by a 6/8 meter and a fast tempo.
Its intricate rhythms and brilliant ornamentation weave an exotic atmosphere that captivates listeners.
Owing to its extreme technical demands, it poses a major challenge for performers, but why not take it on in pursuit of a moving performance?
Nocturne No. 3 in D minorMily Balakirev
Mily Balakirev, known as the coordinator of the Russian Five, was a composer who, while influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, created approachable works incorporating elements of Russian folk music.
This piece, Nocturne No.
3 in D minor, is a gem that beautifully fuses Balakirev’s profound emotional expression with technical sophistication.
Its beautiful melody and rich harmonies, expressing quiet introspection and heartfelt longing, resonate deeply with listeners.
As a work for solo piano, it is highly recommended for inclusion in recitals with an intimate atmosphere.
hibari (skylark)Glinka＝Balakirev
Mikhail Glinka, founder of the Russian nationalist school, and Mily Balakirev, who carried on that tradition, had a mentor–student relationship.
To promote Glinka’s works, Balakirev created numerous arrangements.
Among them, his piano arrangement of The Lark—originally part of Glinka’s song collection Farewell to St.
Petersburg—is particularly famous.
Without diminishing the original’s reverence for nature, Balakirev brilliantly recreates it with the piano’s unique expressive power.
Through the lark’s song soaring into the sky, the piece evokes a magnificent natural beauty.
It is a must-listen for anyone wishing to experience the grandeur of Russia’s great outdoors.
Waltz No. 6 in F-sharp minorMily Balakirev
Mily Balakirev, known as the coordinator of the Russian Five, left many accessible works that, while influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, incorporate elements of Russian folk music.
Composed between 1903 and 1904, his Waltz is one of the representative solo piano pieces from his Romantic period.
Its emotionally rich expressiveness—woven from beautiful melodies and complex harmonic progressions—captures the listener’s heart and will not let go.
The distinctive emotional experience created by its free form and shifting rhythms is quintessentially Balakirev.
This masterpiece is beloved by a wide range of listeners, from newcomers to classical music to seasoned pianists.
Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1Mily Balakirev
The Russian composer Mily Balakirev played a leading role as the coordinator of the Mighty Handful and devoted himself to promoting the Russian Nationalist school.
His works show influences from Western music and Russian folk music, combining accessibility with originality.
An important early piece, the Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor, is a captivating work that, while influenced by Chopin, also incorporates national elements.
The solemn atmosphere of the middle section is particularly striking.
Be sure to listen for the balance between the piano and the orchestra.
Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 84Mily Balakirev
Mily Balakirev was a composer in the late 19th-century Russian music scene who, while influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, left behind approachable works that incorporated elements of Russian folk songs.
One of his early pieces, Scherzo No.
1 in B minor, Op.
84, is an ambitious work that features the typical structure of a scherzo while weaving in Balakirev’s distinctive ethnic elements.
Within its lively and energetic character, delicate rhythms and melodies are interlaced, clearly reflecting his approach to music.
Requiring advanced performance technique, this piece is one that pianists with solid skills are highly encouraged to take on!
Mazurka No. 2 in C-sharp minorMily Balakirev
Mily Balakirev was a composer who promoted Russian nationalist music and played a leading role as the coordinator of the “Mighty Handful.” Balakirev’s Mazurka No.
2 in C-sharp minor is a work based on the traditional Polish dance, the mazurka, while incorporating elements of Russian folk music.
While it demands advanced technique and deep emotional expression from the performer, it offers listeners an accessible and captivating experience.
Its interweaving of complex harmonies, expressive melodies, and effective syncopation and rubato—where melancholy and brightness intersect—can be seen as the very essence of Russian music.
PolkaMily Balakirev
Mily Balakirev, a central figure of the Russian nationalist school and a major influence on Russian musical culture.
Composed in 1857, his Polka is one of his early works.
The piece features the typical two-part form of a polka and is characterized by a lively tempo.
Incorporating elements of Russian folk and traditional music while employing refined pianistic techniques, it results in a work brimming with humor and lightness.
Although it presents technical challenges for performers, listeners will feel Balakirev’s passion and energy for music directly.
Highly recommended for those interested in Russian piano music.
tarantellaMily Balakirev
The Russian composer Mily Balakirev, a leading figure in the late-19th-century nationalist school, played a key role as the coordinator of the “Mighty Handful.” While influenced by Chopin and Liszt, he left numerous works that skillfully incorporate elements of Russian folk music.
Composed in 1901, his Tarantella is a vigorous and brilliant piece in 6/8 time that employs the rhythm of the Italian folk dance “tarantella.” It is also known as a notoriously difficult work for performers, featuring a succession of highly virtuosic, ornamental passages.
With its fusion of passionate melody and refined harmony, it stands as one of his representative piano pieces.
DumkaMily Balakirev
The Mighty Handful, who led the Russian music scene in the late 19th century.
Among the piano works left by their de facto leader, Mily Balakirev, Dumka is known as one of his later compositions.
“Dumka” is a term of Ukrainian folk origin, referring to a piece characterized by a sentimental melody.
This work, too, is marked by a melancholic tone that weaves in folk-like Russian melodies.
Quiet, introspective passages contrast with dramatic, forceful sections, stirring the listener’s emotions.
In this piece, which conveys Balakirev’s strong desire to express the spirit of his homeland through music, savor the unique and beautiful sonorities of Russian music.