The Mighty Five: Russian Composers Quiz

The Mighty Five

• The "Mighty Handful" aimed to create a unique Russian musical identity.
• They collaborated on compositions and discussed/altered scores.
• Mily Balakirev led the group, encouraging composers but struggling with completing his own work.

Modest Mussorgsky

• Lived a chaotic life, often drinking heavily.
• His music had a distinctly earthier sound than other group members.
• His style was different from other members.

Alexander Borodin

• A chemist who composed music on weekends.
• Wrote lively choral music.
• A notable member of the group.

César Cui

• Composed operas and songs for children.
• His music was influenced by Russian folk tales and music.
• His music draws inspiration from Russian folk material.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

• Used a mixture of folk melodies and Western styles of music.
• Famous for the ballet The Flight of the Bumblebee.

The Tale of Tsar Saltan

• A magical story of Prince Gvidon who was marooned.
• The story is displayed in an opera.
• Showcasing the famous Flight of the Bumblebee.

Prince Igor

• Borodin worked on the opera extensively (18 years).
• It was finished by Rimsky-Korsakov.
• The opera is based on a Russian Prince captured by the Polovetsians.
• The opera features the famous Polovetsian Dances characterized by energy and leaps.