Mily Balakirev

Mily Balakirev was a Russian composer and musical leader of the late 19th century, known for revitalizing Russian national music. He helped shape the "Mighty Handful," a group dedicated to creating a distinct Russian sound in classical music. Balakirev composed symphonies, piano works, and a famous tone poem called "Tamara." His influence extended as a mentor to other prominent composers like Rimsky-Korsakov and Cui. Balakirev’s music combines powerful melodies with Russian themes, playing a key role in defining Russia’s musical identity during that era.