Borodin

Now, here is a composer whom one doesn´t frequently hear about.

Aleksander Borodin was one of the foremost Russian composers. He was part of “The Five”, a group of prominent composers who aimed to create a national school of Russian music, free from the influences of Italian, German, and other standardized schools of music during those times (mid-19th century).

But, funny enough, Borodin didn´t consider music to be his primary occupation.

He was a doctor and chemist by profession and produced important contributions to the world of organic chemistry.

He only composed during his free time, or while he was ill. Borodin suffered from poor health.

And he was also a great promoter of education, founding the School of Medicine for Women in which he taught for several years.

The reason why I bring him up today is because this date marks the anniversary of his tragic and sudden death from a massive heart attack in the middle of a party. He was just 53 years old.

Although I´m not by any means a connoisseur of Borodin´s music, there are a few pieces that I greatly enjoy listening to. You can see that just like his Russian peers, he was a great melodist and orchestrator with an exquisite taste for music.

On my Classical playlist, you´ll find two of his beautiful Polovtsian Dances. Listen by clicking here.

Have a great day,

Claudio.