Born:
October 31, (or November 12) 1833
Birthplace:
St. Petersburg, Russia
Died:
February 15, (or February 27, 1887) in St. Petersburg
Also Known As:
His full name was Aleksandr Porfiryevich Borodin; he was a Russian nationalist composer of the 19th century. Borodin was one of "The Mighty Five" which includes Balakirev, Cui, Mussogrsky and Rimsky-Korsakov; a group of five Russian composers who wanted to establish a nationalist school of music. Borodin was also known as a scientist due to his research on aldehydes.
Type of Compositions:
He wrote an opera, songs, string quartets and symphonies.
Influence:
Borodin learned how to play the cello, flute and piano when he was a boy. He pursued music more as a hobby because his primary interest was in science. He attended Medico-Surgical Academy from 1850 to 1856, received a doctorate there in 1858 and became a full time professor at the said academy in 1864.
Notable Works:
Among his known works are; "Symphony No. 1 in E-flat Major," "Symphony No. 2 in B Minor," "Symphony No. 3 in A Minor," "Steppes of Central Asia" (tone poem) and "Prince Igor" (opera).
Interesting Facts:
"Price Igor" is an opera that has 4 acts. When Borodin died in 1887, the opera was left unfinished and was completed by Aleksandr Glazunov and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov. "Polovtsian Dances,” from the second act of "Prince Igor," remains a very popular piece.
Music Sample:
Listen to "Polovtsian Dances" by Alexander Borodin courtesy of YouTube.