Alexander Borodin
Medical science as well as music are associated with Borodin. Born on 12 November 1833, the illegitimate son of a Russian prince, he graduated in medicine and later studied science. Balakirev persuaded him to attend to music for which he had showed such promise. One might say that his second symphony and Prince Igor have since proved the point. Borodin died in St Petersburg on 27 February 1887.
A selection of articles about Alexander Borodin
Ensemble. A Sure Feel for Dramatic Pacing - Mike Wheeler reviews Opera North's Mascagni/Rachmaninov double bill
Spotlight. Warmth and Sonoric Exuberance - Gerald Fenech heartily recommends Tugan Sokhiev conducting brass arrangements of well-known overtures. '... exhilarating, spectacular, absorbing.'
Ensemble. Another Case of Mendelssohn's Influence? - Mike Wheeler listens to Verdi and Borodin from the Victoria String Quartet at the Buxton Festival
CD Spotlight. The Magic of Ballets Russes - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Warner Classics' box set. '... a gem which should be on the shelves of all those interested in the music of the early decades of the twentieth century ...'
Ensemble. Familiar Pieces Heard Afresh - Mike Wheeler has some thoughtful comments on a performance by Tasmin Little, Duncan Riddell, Thierry Fischer and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Ensemble. A Memorable Evening - Shostakovich's 'Leningrad' Symphony performed by two symphony orchestras in San Diego, and conducted by Valery Gergiev, heard by Ron Bierman
Ensemble. A Composer's Christmas - The Cann Twins, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Lyrical Beauty - A new edition of Prince Igor, experienced live in HD by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Superbly Played - Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Haunting Performance - Rob Buckland joins Jonathan Trout and Derby Concert Orchestra for Borodin, Glazunov, Piazzolla and Rachmaninov, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Striking Power - Leslie Howard plays Rachmaninov, heard by Howard Smith. '... a staggering technique.'
Ensemble. High Standards - Bill Newman listens to various artists at London's Wigmore Hall
CD Spotlight. Delicate Mastery - Orchestral music by Glazunov, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... dashingly done ...'
Ensemble. Pilgrimages of the Soul - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Italy's Sagra Musicale Umbra
Ensemble. Shift of Perspective - The Stanford Quartet plays Mozart, Shostakovich, Borodin and Piazzolla, welcomed by Mike Wheeler
Ardent Charms - Bill Newman reviews two recitals by pianist Igor Tchetuev
Record Box. Many Moods - Orchestral music by Glazunov, recommended by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Wonderfully Inventive - Music and dance on the theme of creation, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Enjoyable Colours - Russian music from Stokowski, reviewed by Patric Standford. 'The recordings do not show half a century of wear ...'
Ensemble. Dispiritingly Unmusical - The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Heightened Intimacy - Russian Romantic songs, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... magically touching musicianship ...'
Ensemble. Delicacy and Tenderness - The Russian State Philharmonic in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Ravel chestnut - A dazzling arrangement of 'Bolero' for two pianos, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Generous lyricism - Russian cello sonatas, investigated by Robert Anderson. '... alert and accomplished.'
CD Spotlight. An indelible impression - Ewa Podles sings Russian songs and arias, appreciated by Maria Nockin. '... incredibly well done ...'
Ensemble. Russian resonance - The first of a new series of Music at the Wallace Collection
CD Spotlight - Musical eloquence. 'The playing under Alexander Anissimov is as accomplished as the music.' Glazunov symphonies, with Robert Anderson
Record Box - The Russian Psyche - Sadness in song, with Basil Ramsey