YourClassical

Learning to Listen: Russian Music from The Mighty Handful

Learning to Listen: Russian Music from The Mighty Handful
Modest Mussorgsky
Modest Mussorgsky
Courtesy AllRovi

Russian music underwent quite a transition in the 19th century, thanks in large part to composer Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857).

Professor of Music at Cardiff University, Stephen Walsh, wrote a new book about Russian music in the 19th century, Musorgsky and His Circle.

Professor Walsh joins Learning to Listen to talk about The Mighty Handful, a group of five composers inspired by Glinka to write classical music that sounded Russian, not German.

Glinka harvested material from Russian folk songs. He wrote Russian music with Russian texts and Russian characters.

The Mighty Handful consisted of Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Mily Balakirev, Alexander Borodin and Cesar Cui.

Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov are the most famous; Borodin and Balakirev wrote wonderful music as well.

Cesar Cui is the black sheep, as it were - his music maintained a more traditional, German sound - perhaps why his music and name haven't survived.

Professor Walsh talks about each composer, and you'll hear samples of their music on today's Learning to Listen.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$
<!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE-->