Highlighting the masterpieces and popular works of Mikhail Glinka, the pioneering composer of Russian music
Mikhail Glinka, a Russian composer.
He was the first to create truly Russian music for the nation and the first Russian composer to gain wide renown abroad, earning him the title “the father of modern Russian music.”
He actively formed friendships with contemporary poets and painters; in particular, under the influence of the poet Pushkin, he began writing distinctly Russian works.
In this article, we have picked out some of Glinka’s masterpieces and popular pieces.
While his works are naturally Russian in character, they also possess a romantic and unique atmosphere—some pieces convey a Chopin-like sweetness, and others are sets of variations based on melodies from operas that were fashionable at the time.
Many of his compositions express a love for Russia, so please enjoy his music!
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[Mikhail Glinka] Introducing masterpieces and popular works by the pioneering composer of Russian music (11–20)
Memories of the MazurkaMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
This piece, which skillfully incorporates the rhythm of the mazurka, is a captivating work where elegance and passion intertwine.
While it draws on Polish folk dance as a motif, it also conveys a distinct atmosphere imbued with Russian sentiment.
Composed in 1847, it carries a nostalgic, sentimental aura that leaves a deep impression on listeners.
Lively yet introspective, the melody demands both advanced technique and delicate expressiveness from the pianist.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor the characteristic mazurka rhythm and its subtle fluctuations in tempo.
It is a piece that radiates a deep affection for folk music.
Septet in E-flat majorMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
Septet in E-flat major.
Performed by: oboe – Nataliya Savelieva, bassoon – Eugeny Osipov, horn – Nikolay Evgrafov, violins – Marina Anikina and Polina Martynova, cello – Lev Bespalov, double bass – Alexandr Kuznetsov.
Fantasy WaltzMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
Valse Fantaisie in B minor.
Composed in 1839, the original is a piano solo, but it has been arranged for orchestra.
Performed by the Estonian National Opera Orchestra, conducted by Kārlis Kundrāts.
Recorded at the Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn.
String Quartet in F majorMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From String Quartet in F Major: Movement I – Allegro spiritoso.
Performed by the Raffles Institution String Quartet.
Violin: James Lee, Caleb Leow; Viola: Bryan Tay; Cello: Joshen Lim.
Lyudmila’s Aria from the opera Ruslan and LyudmilaMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From the opera Ruslan and Lyudmila, Op.
5: Act IV, Lyudmila’s Aria (“Ah ty, dolya-dolushka”).
Soprano: Larisa Rudakova; orchestra: the BBC Symphony Orchestra (UK); conductor: Carlo Rizzi.
Romance of Antonida from the opera ‘A Life for the Tsar’Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From the opera Ivan Susanin (A Life for the Tsar, Zhizn za tsarya), Op.
4: Act III, Antonida’s Romance.
Performed by soprano Svetlana Terentyeva with the Tolyatti Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Valentin Uryupin.
[Mikhail Glinka] Introducing famous and popular pieces by the pioneering composer of Russian music (21–30)
Fantasia “Kamarinskaya”Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka
Fantasia “Kamarinskaya.” This work is based on two Russian folk songs.
Performed by the New Japan Philharmonic, conducted by Mikhail Leontyev.
From the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, as part of the Tokyo International Music Competition (Conducting Division).