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 famous and popular pieces by the pioneering composer of Russian music (21–30)
Overture from the opera ‘Ruslan and Lyudmila’Mikhail Glinka
The Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila, which evokes the opening of a grand tale, is the perfect piece for waking up in the morning or when you want to dash off with energy.
Its composer, Mikhail Glinka, was from Russia and excelled at orchestral works, known for his charmingly light and lively style.
Ruslan and Lyudmila is an opera in five acts, and its story—depicting how Princess Lyudmila and the knight Ruslan are united—is compelling in its own right.
It’s a piece I’d especially recommend to fans of modern video game music or to anyone who wants to exercise in a bright, upbeat mood!
Overture to the opera “Ruslan and Lyudmila”Mikhail Glinka
Born in 1804, the Russian composer Mikhail Glinka wrote the opera Ruslan and Lyudmila, from which this piece, the Overture, is taken.
Mikhail Glinka gained widespread acclaim abroad and is known as the “father of modern Russian music.” This overture is performed at a consistently presto (fast tempo), resulting in a brilliantly vibrant and dynamic work.
It is very popular among Japanese orchestral ensembles and is performed frequently.
From Three Russian Songs, Movement IMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From Three Russian Songs (Drei Russische Lieder), Movement I: Moderato – from the song cycle “Do Not Tempt Me Without Cause.” Performed by: violin – Leonor van der Merwe, viola – Evi Wibriet, piano – Patrick Wildenberg.
From Three Russian Songs, Movement IIMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From Three Russian Songs (Drei Russische Lieder), Movement II: Moderato – “Farewell to Petersburg – No.
5 Lullaby.” Performed by Trio Luminar.
Flute: Patricia da Dalt, Viola: Marcela Magín, Harp: Lucrecia Jancsa.
From Three Russian Songs, Movement IIIMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From Three Russian Songs (Drei Russische Lieder), Movement III: Andante Mosso – from the song cycle “Doubt – Somneniye.” Performed by Amalia Tortajada, flute; Levon Moradian, cello; and Coral Tinoco, harp.
From Farewell to Saint Petersburg, No. 11: To MollyMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From “A Farewell to Saint Petersburg,” No.
11: “To Molly.” Performed by Moscow cellist Igor Zubkovsky, with Maria Pekina on piano.
Recorded at the Yaroslavl Art Museum in Yaroslavl, Russia.
Farewell to Saint Petersburg, No. 3: BoleroMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From ‘A Farewell to Saint Petersburg’: No.
3, Bolero.
Performed by Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky, piano by Mikhail Arkadiev, at the Mikhailovsky Palace in Saint Petersburg.