Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev (1837-1910) is, perhaps, most widely known as the leader of an influential group of Russian composers known as The Five (César Cui, Mussorgsky, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov and Balakirev himself) - who were dedicated to advancing the cause of Russian nationalistic music.
Balakirev was somewhat of a musical prodigy - an accomplished pianist from an early age, and leading orchestras in his early-mid teens were accompanied by compositions such as the Grande Fantasie of 1852 (when he was fifteen). The year after this he began the study of mathematics at the University of Kazan.
A meeting with Glinka led to Balakirev's rising interest in Russian nationalism, and ultimately to the The Five. Balakirev's tone poem Russia is an excellent example of the use of Russian folk song themes and elements, and this 1976 recording from Bournemouth is, apparently, it's first stereo recording. Click on the album sleeve notes below for more information . . .
Cartridge: Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star
Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession MC
Turntable: CTC Classic 301 with SME M2-12R
Click to enlarge
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