Oriental Fantasy: IslameyMily Balakirev1rank/position

Balakirev: Islamey, “Oriental Fantasy” / Masaya Kamei

Mily Balakirev, known as the coordinator of the Russian Five, advanced the music of the Russian nationalist school and left many approachable works that incorporate elements of Russian folk songs.

Inspired by the folk music he encountered during his travels in the Caucasus, his Oriental Fantasy “Islamey” is a notoriously difficult piece characterized by a 6/8 meter and a fast tempo.

Its intricate rhythms and brilliant ornamentation weave an exotic atmosphere that captivates listeners.

Owing to its extreme technical demands, it poses a major challenge for performers, but why not take it on in pursuit of a moving performance?

IslameyMily Balakirev2rank/position

Masaya Kamei / Balakirev: Islamey, “Oriental Fantasy” (2019 PTNA Competition, Special Class Semifinal) Balakirev – Islamey “Fantaisie orientale”

Islamey by the Russian composer Mily Balakirev is almost invariably cited among the most difficult piano pieces.

In terms of expression in particular, it is extremely challenging: you have to play intricate melodies at pianissimo, and at the most difficult passage it even brings in an ossia.

Personally, I think it is far more difficult than Franz Liszt’s Mazeppa, which is also considered top-tier in difficulty, so if you’re confident in your skills, I encourage you to give it a try.

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Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 84Mily Balakirev3rank/position

Balakirev Scherzo No. 1 in b-minor – Alvin Devonas Piano

Mily Balakirev was a composer in the late 19th-century Russian music scene who, while influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, left behind approachable works that incorporated elements of Russian folk songs.

One of his early pieces, Scherzo No.

1 in B minor, Op.

84, is an ambitious work that features the typical structure of a scherzo while weaving in Balakirev’s distinctive ethnic elements.

Within its lively and energetic character, delicate rhythms and melodies are interlaced, clearly reflecting his approach to music.

Requiring advanced performance technique, this piece is one that pianists with solid skills are highly encouraged to take on!

Sonatina “Sketch” in G majorMily Balakirev4rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Sonatina (audio + sheet music)

In the late 19th century, Mily Balakirev stood as one of Russia’s leading national school composers.

As the guiding figure of “The Five,” he led his contemporaries and made major contributions to the development of Russian music.

His final work, the Sonatina “Sketch” in G major, is a three-movement piece that showcases Balakirev’s hallmark delicacy and vivid coloristic expression.

Its distinctive style—fusing folk-inspired melodies with European musical currents—captivates listeners and won’t let go.

While the piece demands advanced technique and expressive nuance from the performer, its high musical artistry continues to fascinate many pianists today.

It is a masterpiece that every lover of classical music should hear.

tarantellaMily Balakirev5rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Tarantella in B major (audio + sheet music)

The Russian composer Mily Balakirev, a leading figure in the late-19th-century nationalist school, played a key role as the coordinator of the “Mighty Handful.” While influenced by Chopin and Liszt, he left numerous works that skillfully incorporate elements of Russian folk music.

Composed in 1901, his Tarantella is a vigorous and brilliant piece in 6/8 time that employs the rhythm of the Italian folk dance “tarantella.” It is also known as a notoriously difficult work for performers, featuring a succession of highly virtuosic, ornamental passages.

With its fusion of passionate melody and refined harmony, it stands as one of his representative piano pieces.

Toccata in C-sharp minorMily Balakirev6rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Toccata in C-sharp minor (NEW YEAR TRIBUTE)

Mily Balakirev, who played a leading role as the coordinator of The Five in Russia, left behind the Toccata in C-sharp minor.

Published in 1902, this work strongly embodies the characteristics of Romantic music and is an ambitious piece that demands a high level of both technical skill and expressiveness.

It is marked by complex harmonies that skillfully employ chromaticism and modulation, with a powerful theme presented from the outset.

While incorporating elements of Russian folk music, the piece showcases Balakirev’s innovative compositional techniques throughout, making it a challenging work.

It is a composition that pianists with advanced technique and rich expressive ability are especially encouraged to tackle.

DumkaMily Balakirev7rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Dumka (audio + sheet music)

The Mighty Handful, who led the Russian music scene in the late 19th century.

Among the piano works left by their de facto leader, Mily Balakirev, Dumka is known as one of his later compositions.

“Dumka” is a term of Ukrainian folk origin, referring to a piece characterized by a sentimental melody.

This work, too, is marked by a melancholic tone that weaves in folk-like Russian melodies.

Quiet, introspective passages contrast with dramatic, forceful sections, stirring the listener’s emotions.

In this piece, which conveys Balakirev’s strong desire to express the spirit of his homeland through music, savor the unique and beautiful sonorities of Russian music.