Search - Mily Balakirev, Vasily Sinaisky, Howard Shelley :: Balakirev: Symphony No. 2; Piano Concerto, Op.1; Tamara

Although Balakirev is, along with César Cui, the least well known of "The Five," the Russian nationalist composers of the late nineteenth century (a group which he formed and led), he deserves more attention. Richly melodic and lively, his music can be thought of as the springboard from which Borodin, Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov launched their explorations of Russian-themed composition. This collection features an excellent sampling of Balakirev's orchestral writing. The conductor won the Gold Medal at the 1973 Karajan competition in Berlin; he conducts the ensemble with which he has been closely associated since 1996. A treat for those looking for lesser-known music.