Balakirev's interest in Spanish folk music was kindled by his mentor Mikhail Glinka, as Balakirev felt it had an affinity with Russian folk music.
Composer Biography
Mili Alekseyevich Balakirev, a brilliant pianist, improviser, and conductor, led the 'Mighty Handful' of Russian composers, which included Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky, Borodin, and Cui.
Composer Biography
Despite writing several 'Spanish' pieces, Balakirev never actually visited Spain.
Performer Biography
Nicholas Walker, the pianist on this album, is known for championing the music of Mili Alekseyevich Balakirev and organized the Balakirev Centenary concerts in London in 2010.
Composition History
During the last eleven years of his life (1900-1910), Balakirev composed two-thirds of his piano music, as well as songs, choral works, and orchestral music.
Composer Biography
After suffering a deep depression in the 1870s, Balakirev worked as a clerk for the Warsaw Railway.
Composer Biography
Balakirev neglected his own composing, with some works existing for years only as piano improvisations in his head.
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