BACKGROUND TO… Mily Balakirev (1837-1910)

An outspoken and influential figure, Balakirev was a composer, pianist and conductor at the very heart of Russian nationalist music. His devotion to establishing and maintaining a national style led him to encourage composers like Borodin, Musorgsky and Rimsky-korsakov. His obsession and heavy-handed approach to coaching those he took under his wing led to them turning their backs on him. His own composing took a back seat and many works took years to realise. A nervous breakdown was a big knock and despite returning to public life his star was much dimmed.