Alexander Borodin Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin46rank/position

Borodin-PRINZ IGOR-PolowetzerTänze/Polovetsian Dances

This is the signature masterpiece by Alexander Borodin, one of the members of the Russian Five.

The term “Dattan” in the title refers to the people known as the Tatars—an ethnic group speaking Turkic languages—rendered in Japan using the Chinese-derived characters for Dattan; hence the titles “Dance of the Dattans” or “Polovtsian Dances.” The piece appears in Act II of the opera Prince Igor and is Borodin’s most famous work; if you know this piece well, it’s one that should lead you to know the composer Borodin himself.

It is frequently performed independently of the opera at orchestral concerts.

At the Tokyu Silvester Concert, it was chosen as the New Year’s countdown piece starting in 2016 and achieved great success under the baton of Naoto Otomo with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sai-kisaragi

Report a problem

Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin47rank/position

BORODIN – POLOVTSIAN DANCES – PIANO DUET – SCOTT BROTHERS DUO

Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor is a famous classical piece often heard in commercials and elsewhere.

Its striking melody, passed from oboe to clarinet, also makes for a brilliantly colorful piano four-hands arrangement.

Though it makes a strong impression in performance, it doesn’t demand overly complex technique and is approachable for intermediate players, making it a great choice for recitals.

Enjoy the seamless ensemble that two performers can bring to this work.

Overture to the opera Prince IgorAlexander Borodin48rank/position

Borodin, Alexander – Prince Igor, Overture (Haitink)

Alexander Borodin, one of the “Mighty Handful” (the group of five Russian composers centered around Mily Balakirev) in the 19th century, was a singular composer who pursued music while maintaining his primary career as a chemist.

Born in 1833, Borodin graduated at the top of his class from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of St.

Petersburg and went on to distinguish himself as a professor of chemistry.

The work in question is the result of 18 years of composition.

Set in 12th-century Russia, its grand narrative—depicting Prince Igor’s campaign, captivity, and escape—strongly reflects Russian national identity.

Interweaving themes of love, honor, and loyalty, the opera made a significant contribution to the development of Russian music.

Showcasing Borodin’s remarkable ability to balance chemistry and music, this work is highly recommended for anyone interested in Russian music.

seaAlexander Borodin49rank/position

A. Borodin THE SEA. Vyacheslav Sobolev (tenor), Denis Trunov (piano)

Alexander Borodin is well known for his orchestral and string works, such as the String Quartet No.

2 in D major and the Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor, but he also left behind wonderful songs.

Borodin, a Russian chemist as well as a composer, wrote the song The Sea in 1870.

This piece is a solo song with piano accompaniment that expresses the vastness and profundity of the sea.

Its richly emotional melodies, characteristic of Romantic music, are striking and quietly move the listener.

This work is a valuable piece that offers a glimpse into Borodin’s inner emotions and his view of nature.

It is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to become familiar with classical music or experience the beauty of nature through music.

Sleeping PrincessAlexander Borodin50rank/position

The Sleeping Princess (Спящая княжна) – Alexander Borodin

From the song cycle, The Sleeping Princess.

Composed by Borodin in 1867 at age 34, with lyrics written by Borodin himself.

Performed by soprano Sasha Gutiérrez, with Daniel Muñoz on piano.

The video was filmed at the National Museum of Colombia in Bogotá, Colombia.