The Mighty Handful: A Movement in Russian Music
The Mighty Handful
Also known as The Five, this group of amateur musicians, each with professions outside of music, formed a movement to elevate Russian music.
Cesar Antonovich Cui (1835-1918)
Considered the group leader, Cui’s music is less known, but he was a significant theorist. His book, La Musique en Russie (Music in Russia), laid the foundation for the movement.
Alekseyevich Mili Balakirev (1836/7-1910)
Imaginative and eccentric, Balakirev founded a music school independent of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. As a disciple of Glinka, he developed an interest in Spanish music, composing works like Overture on Spanish Themes and Spanish Serenade. He also created the symphonic poem A Thousand Years of Russia, a significant musical monument.
Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky (1839-1881)
Mussorgsky, known for his struggles with alcohol, was a brilliant orchestrator, though his works were often orchestrated by others. His easy inspiration and imagination may have influenced the Impressionists through his use of intervals of 2nd, 4th, and 5th, and even 6th. His opera Boris Godunov is based on Pushkin’s work. Mussorgsky’s music vividly painted characters, feelings, and passions, conveying patriotism, solemnity, and nobility. Pictures at an Exhibition, originally for piano (orchestrated by Ravel and others), is dedicated to the painter Hartmann and depicts a pictorial tour of an exhibition in 15 pieces. These are linked by a unifying musical piece called Promenade. This work is considered a precursor to Impressionism, particularly the movement Catacombs. Another opera, Khovanshchina, was left unfinished. He also composed many expressive lieder.
Alexander Porfirievich Borodin (1833-1887)
Borodin was a scientist (doctor, chemist, researcher, teacher) and a pioneer in the study of plastics. He was called the “Russian Mendelssohn” for his kindness, instrumental scherzos, and inability to portray tragedy. His compositions, while sometimes overly elaborate, were considered better structured than those of other Russian composers. His instrumentation was rich without being exaggerated. His opera, Prince Igor, is known for its rich and colorful action. His symphonic poem In the Steppes of Central Asia features two alternating themes (polythematism). He composed two symphonies, with the 2nd considered his masterpiece. A 3rd was left unfinished.
Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
Rimsky-Korsakov was the most comprehensive member of The Five and achieved greater global recognition than the others, except for Tchaikovsky. Initially in the marine profession, he composed in his spare time. His love for the sea and exposure to different cultures influenced his music. A visit to Spain inspired his Spanish Capriccio. He later became a professional musician, studying at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and then teaching there without completing his own studies. He possessed an innate sense of orchestration, documented in his treatise on orchestration, which remains an important legacy. He was interested in fantasy themes, which enriched his orchestration. Scheherazade (1888), taken from One Thousand and One Nights, is a programmatic work. The Great Russian Easter Overture is solemn and grand.