Mily Balakirev

About

Popularly known to be the founder of the well-known Russian collaboration, The Five (also known as the Mighty Handful), Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev devoted himself to create a distinct Russian classical music repertoire. The Russian composer, pianist, and conductor along with Mikhail Glinka was a pivotal figure in promoting musical nationalism. His works became a powerful influence on more famous Russian composers, notably Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. His oriental fantasy Islamey for solo piano remains to be among his popular works.