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.
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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?
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.
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.
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.