[Borodin’s Piano Pieces] Selected masterpieces by a composer who loved Russian folk songs
Alexander Borodin, an Imperial Russian composer known as the creator of the Polovtsian Dances and a member of the “Mighty Handful” alongside Mussorgsky and Balakirev.
Deeply devoted to Russian folk music and committed to composing Russian music, he left a wide-ranging body of work including operas, orchestral pieces, chamber music, piano works, and choral pieces.
In this article, we introduce recommended pieces for piano learners and enthusiasts: solo piano works, chamber music featuring piano, and Borodin’s signature pieces—beloved around the world and often performed on the piano.
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[Borodin’s Piano Pieces] A curated selection of masterpieces by a composer who loved Russian folk songs (1–10)
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?
Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, active in the 19th century and one of the Mighty Five who led Russian nationalist music, composed a masterpiece beloved in the classical world: the Polovtsian Dances from his opera Prince Igor, with its richly folk-colored melodies and rhythms.
The dance of the Polovtsians in the drama conveys a sense of flowing grace within its strength, imbued with praise and reverence for Khan Konchak.
Letting you fully savor the appeal of folk music, this work is recommended not only for classical music fans but also for those encountering classical music for the first time.
Little Suite, Op. 1, No. 3: Mazurka (A Simple Mazurka)Alexander Borodin
Alexander Borodin, a composer of the Russian nationalist school who produced masterpieces of Russian music such as Prince Igor and In the Steppes of Central Asia.
His works strongly reflect elements of Russian folk music.
The Simple Mazurka from his Petite Suite, Op.
1, published in 1885, is especially appealing for its lively character, a Polish dance form arranged in a distinctly Russian style.
Inviting listeners to imagine scenes from a ballroom, this piece exudes a romantic atmosphere and is a piano work that absolutely deserves to be performed.
Borodin’s Piano Pieces: A Curated Selection of Masterworks by a Composer Who Loved Russian Folk Songs (11–20)
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.
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.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced piano pieces by Alexander Borodin—known as one of the Russian Five—as well as works performed by ensembles that include piano. Although Borodin did not leave a large number of compositions, each one is a simple piece that reflects his worldview, composed on the basis of folk songs. Why not take this opportunity to explore his non-piano works as well?