Mily Balakirev, born in 1837 in Nizhny-Novgorod, was a towering figure in Russian music, renowned as a composer, pianist, and conductor. He is best known as the leader of "The Mighty Handful," a group of influential Russian composers who sought to create a distinct national musical identity. Balakirev's work was deeply rooted in Russian folk music, which he collected, arranged, and published, infusing his compositions with a unique cultural richness. Despite facing a mental crisis and being considered past his prime by his contemporaries at the age of 33, Balakirev's legacy endures through his profound influence on Russian music. His extraordinary character, marked by both selflessness and autocracy, makes him a fascinating figure in music history.
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