THE ROMANTIC ERA

Romantic Music in Russia The Mighty Handful Pytor Ilych Tchaikovsky

The Mighty Handful aka “The Five” - Nationalism A group of composers from Saint Petersburg, Russia, met as young men (in their 20s) and came together between Goal: create specifically RUSSIAN music Opposed to imitating older European music Opposed to conservatory training Led by Mily Balakirev (organized and taught members) Most famous members: Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Other members: Cesar Cui, Alexander Borodin All worked together, improving each others music, gaining fame. Name “Mighty Handful” adopted after 1867, in response to critics mocking a press release that praised “Mr. Balakirev’s Slavic Concert” MUSICAL STYLE based on Russian Nationalism Folk songs, inspired by village dances, church bells, etc. Distinct use of harmonies: Shifting keys “Incorrect” use of intervals: parallel fifths and fourths Unique scales creating “strange” melodies (“Whole tone,” “octatonic”)

Mily Balakirev – Known for playing piano, composing, and being a nationalist The only professional musician in the group Started piano lessons from his mother at age 4 Was conducting Mozart music at age 14 Important teacher for amateur members Even influenced conservatory musicians Listening Example: Islamey Piano solo Inspired by the beauty in nature of the Northern part of Russia (Caucasia) and local folk musicians (including a Prince!) Used as a favorite showpiece for Franz Liszt

Modest Mussorgsky – Joined the Mighty Handful in 1857 Wealthy family, always studied piano (lessons from self-taught mother), but went into military service at age 13 Cadet’s School was brutal, starting point for his alcoholism Met Alexander Borodin through military in 1856, started “musical career” as pianist Never formally studied music: Most of his fame comes from other composers making arrangements of his music Health failed (probably from alcohol) and died young Listening Examples: Pictures at an Exhibition Orchestral version by Maurice Ravel (1922) Night on Bald Mountain Third version, used in 1940s Disney Film

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Joined the Mighty Handful in 1861 Master of orchestration Edited and arranged much of Mussorgsky’s music Had a passion for the ocean; real career in the Navy He came from a wealthy family that had served in the military and navy for many generations Took piano lessons casually, “lacked interest” Developed a love for music through orchestra concerts and operas Mentored and taught (perhaps forced) by Balakirev to continue to try to write music, despite lack of formal training. His music was well-received, he gained fame, and remembered Balakirev fondly Listening Example: Flight of the Bumble Bee from his Opera, Tale of Tsar Saltan, 1899 an “Orchestral Interlude”

Cesar Cui – Was at the meeting that formed the Mighty Handful in 1856 Was always a music critic and composer as a side-life Dedicated life as army officer, teacher of fortifications Knew four languages growing up (French, Russian, Polish, Lithuanian.) More studious, learned some formal music theory and piano, involved with famous opera committees Studied Chopin music to learn to play piano Listening Example: Quatre Morceaux, Op 22: No 3. Nocturne (18830

Alexander Borodin – Joined the Mighty Handful in 1862 Father was a noble man from Northern Russia Received a good education, pursued science Became a chemistry teacher Developed courses for women to take! Studied piano and cello as a boy, received music lessons from Balakirev later in life First symphony was conducted by Balakirev Second symphony was edited by Rimsky- Korsakov Wrote chamber music (string quartets) that The Mighty Handful did not like very much Generally in poor health, died of a heart attack while attending a ball! Listening Example: Symphony No 2 in B minor (original in 1877, made famous in 1879)

Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Incredibly diverse composer: Symphonies, operas, ballets, instrumental and chamber music. Incredibly famous music: 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite 4:00, 10:00, 12:26… 2:50, 5:23, 7:10, 11:30, 12:45, 15:15, 21:05 Was inspired (but not always approved of) by the Mighty Handful Against his families wishes, put himself through a rigorous music conservatory from Never emotionally secure Personal crisis, periods of depression, disastrous marriage and failed relationships Sudden death at age 53, some speculate suicide.