Reputed to be the hardest work for piano, Balakirev’s 1869 work Islamey saved many a pianist’s weary wrists when it was orchestrated in 1907 by Alfredo Casella. Its reputation ensured that both Rubinstein and Liszt had the piano work in

Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev (1837-1910) was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor who saw those he promoted go on to greatness while he always seemed to elude the same spotlight. He, along with Vladimir Stasov, brought together The Five (Borodin, Cui,

The Russian composer Mily Balakirev (1837-1910) had a fundamental place in changing Russian music from being too emulative of German music and making a strong case for it being Russian. Working first through the idea of nationalism, he instilled in

Piano Sonata in B flat minor III. Intermezzo: Larghetto Nicholas Walker From Balakirev – Complete Piano Works Vol. 1 Piano Sonatas (2013) Released by Grand Piano Balakirev: Piano Sonata in B flat minor – III. Intermezzo: Larghetto About M. A.