Mily Balakirev Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Nocturne No. 3 in D minorMily Balakirev8rank/position

Balakirev: Nocturne No. 3

Mily Balakirev, known as the coordinator of the Russian Five, was a composer who, while influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, created approachable works incorporating elements of Russian folk music.

This piece, Nocturne No.

3 in D minor, is a gem that beautifully fuses Balakirev’s profound emotional expression with technical sophistication.

Its beautiful melody and rich harmonies, expressing quiet introspection and heartfelt longing, resonate deeply with listeners.

As a work for solo piano, it is highly recommended for inclusion in recitals with an intimate atmosphere.

Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1Mily Balakirev9rank/position

Balakirev – Piano Concerto no.1

The Russian composer Mily Balakirev played a leading role as the coordinator of the Mighty Handful and devoted himself to promoting the Russian Nationalist school.

His works show influences from Western music and Russian folk music, combining accessibility with originality.

An important early piece, the Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor, is a captivating work that, while influenced by Chopin, also incorporates national elements.

The solemn atmosphere of the middle section is particularly striking.

Be sure to listen for the balance between the piano and the orchestra.

PolkaMily Balakirev10rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Polka (audio + sheet music)

Mily Balakirev, a central figure of the Russian nationalist school and a major influence on Russian musical culture.

Composed in 1857, his Polka is one of his early works.

The piece features the typical two-part form of a polka and is characterized by a lively tempo.

Incorporating elements of Russian folk and traditional music while employing refined pianistic techniques, it results in a work brimming with humor and lightness.

Although it presents technical challenges for performers, listeners will feel Balakirev’s passion and energy for music directly.

Highly recommended for those interested in Russian piano music.

Mazurka No. 2 in C-sharp minorMily Balakirev11rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Mazurka No. 2 in C-sharp Minor (1860)

Mily Balakirev was a composer who promoted Russian nationalist music and played a leading role as the coordinator of the “Mighty Handful.” Balakirev’s Mazurka No.

2 in C-sharp minor is a work based on the traditional Polish dance, the mazurka, while incorporating elements of Russian folk music.

While it demands advanced technique and deep emotional expression from the performer, it offers listeners an accessible and captivating experience.

Its interweaving of complex harmonies, expressive melodies, and effective syncopation and rubato—where melancholy and brightness intersect—can be seen as the very essence of Russian music.

Waltz No. 6 in F-sharp minorMily Balakirev12rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Valse No.6 [1903]

Mily Balakirev, known as the coordinator of the Russian Five, left many accessible works that, while influenced by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, incorporate elements of Russian folk music.

Composed between 1903 and 1904, his Waltz is one of the representative solo piano pieces from his Romantic period.

Its emotionally rich expressiveness—woven from beautiful melodies and complex harmonic progressions—captures the listener’s heart and will not let go.

The distinctive emotional experience created by its free form and shifting rhythms is quintessentially Balakirev.

This masterpiece is beloved by a wide range of listeners, from newcomers to classical music to seasoned pianists.

Along the Volga RiverMily Balakirev13rank/position

Mily Balakirev – On the Volga (1863)

Mily Balakirev, known as the coordinating figure of the “Mighty Five” who led the Russian music scene in the late 19th century.

His collected and arranged piece Along the Volga is a familiar, folk-like work based on the work songs of the Volga boatmen.

Its weighty, powerful rhythm and recurring chorus vividly depict the grueling toil of the haulers, offering a glimpse into the harsh reality faced by Russia’s working class at the time.

It is a highly recommended piece for anyone interested in Russian history, culture, and the lives of ordinary people.

In the Garden (A Bucolic Etude)Mily Balakirev14rank/position

Mily Balakirev – Au jardin (audio + sheet music)

Mily Balakirev, the central figure of the Russian Five, was known for taking his time to complete his works.

In the Garden is a piece that beautifully depicts, through music, scenes evocative of Russia’s splendid natural landscapes.

Its soothing melody in D-flat major imparts a peaceful feeling, as if strolling through a garden.

Influenced by the Romantic movement while also reflecting elements of Russian folk song, this work is perfect for quiet moments.

It is one of Balakirev’s signature pieces and a recommendation for anyone who enjoys the piano.