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 Pioneer of Russian Music (31–40)
Viola Sonata in D minor, 1st movementMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From Viola Sonata in D Minor (Sonata in D Minor for Viola and Piano), Movement I: Allegro moderato.
Performed by Paul Silverthorne, viola, and Aglaia Tarantino, piano.
A concert at LSO St Luke’s, run by the London Symphony Orchestra.
Viola Sonata in D minor, Movement IIMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
Viola Sonata in D minor (Sonata in D Minor for Viola and Piano), Movement II: Larghetto ma non troppo.
Performed by Viola: Nora Romanoff, Piano: Mathias Susaas Halvorsen.
From a concert at De Singel in Antwerp, Belgium.
From Piano Trio “Pathétique” in D minor: Movement I and Movement IIMikhail Ivanovich Glinka
From ‘Trio Pathétique in D minor’: I.
Allegro moderato, II.
Scherzo.
Performed by Manako Yamamoto, clarinet; Miho Tanaka, bassoon; and Ritsuko Kawashima, piano.
At the Powell Flutes Japan Artist Salon.
Aria of Ivan Susanin 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 IV, Scene 3 – Ivan Susanin’s Aria.
Performed by bass Taras Shtonda; conducted by Mykola Dyadyura.
National Philharmonic of Ukraine.
Overture to Ruslan and LyudmilaMikhail Glinka
It’s a very dazzling opera masterpiece.
Mikhail Glinka is one of the composers of the Russian national school.
Ruslan and Lyudmila is a fairy-tale opera that incorporates characteristics of Russian folk music.
In the 19th century, when Glinka was active, the idea of “nationalism” was on the rise; as European centers expanded imperialism, surrounding regions were motivated to protect their own cultures, which became a major impetus.
The orchestra opens tutti, with the strings playing a passage that seems to surge upward.
The woodwinds pick up the phrases in pursuit, the strings also sing out, and the piece maintains a sense of breathless drive throughout.
Looking at the score, every part is written to connect the phrases; while it’s delightful to listen to, the performers are often quite strained.
You can’t help but want to shout “bravo” to an orchestra that plays it through so brilliantly.