Mily Balakirev was a Russian composer and pianist who was one of the leaders of the Mighty Handful, a group of Russian composers who sought to create a national school of music based on Russian folk music.
Balakirev was born in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, in 1837. He began studying music at an early age and showed great talent for the piano. In 1855, he moved to St. Petersburg, where he studied with the composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
In 1856, Balakirev founded the Free School of Music, which was dedicated to teaching Russian music. He also founded the Balakirev Circle, a group of composers and musicians who met regularly to discuss music and to perform new works.
Balakirev was a prolific composer, and his output includes symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, and songs. His music is characterized by its use of Russian folk music, its bold harmonies, and its passionate rhythms.
Some of Balakirev's most famous works include:
Balakirev was a major figure in the development of Russian music. His music helped to shape the sound of Russian national music, and his influence can still be heard in the music of many contemporary composers.
In addition to his work as a composer, Balakirev was also a conductor and a teacher. He was a tireless promoter of Russian music, and he played a major role in the development of Russian musical culture.