Balakirev’s Piano Works: Gemlike Masterpieces Left by the Coordinator of The Five

Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 84Mily Balakirev

Balakirev Scherzo No. 1 in b-minor – Alvin Devonas Piano

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 – Mazurka No. 2 in C-sharp Minor (1860)

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 – Polka (audio + sheet music)

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

Mily Balakirev – Tarantella in B major (audio + sheet music)

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

Mily Balakirev – Dumka (audio + sheet music)

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.