Mikhail Glinka

On 1 June 1804 was born Mikhail Glinka in the Slomensk region of Russia. Regarded as the founder of the Russian school of composers, his music was heard in Europe, to which he travelled frequently. But homesickness usually brought him back. His best-known opera, Life for the Tsar was written in St Petersburg and was a great success. He died in Berlin on 15 February 1857.

A selection of articles about Mikhail Glinka

Spotlight. Absolute Brilliance - Gerald Fenech recommends Warner Classics' forty-two disc set of recordings by Paavo Berglund. '... a precious treasure-trove packed with musical diamonds that took twenty-seven years to complete.'

Ensemble. The Belcanto Concerts - Giuseppe Pennisi sends his last report from this year's Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro

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. Vivid Performances - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Musical Prowess - Robert Anderson's 'Opera Nights and Nightmares', read by Gerald Fenech

Ensemble. Musical Integrity - Sunwook Kim and the Hallé Orchestra play Rachmaninov, and impress Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Rich Culture - Russian music from SWR Vokalensemble, appreciated by Howard Smith. '... a gift for those eager to hear voices in chorus ...'

Ensemble. Bravura Performance - A piano recital by Anthony Hughes, heard by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. Performance to Cherish - Lawrence Budmen submits a further report from the Tanglewood Festival 2010

Ensemble. White Hot Intensity - Renée Fleming and the Russian National Orchestra at the Festival of the Arts Boca 2010, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. A Fascinating Anthology - Music on the theme of angels, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ardent Charms - Bill Newman reviews two recitals by pianist Igor Tchetuev

Ensemble. Full of Vitality - Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Schubert from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Real Barnburner - Another report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival, by Lawrence Budmen

The Speed Merchant - Jonathan Scott plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Heightened Intimacy - Russian Romantic songs, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... magically touching musicianship ...'

Ensemble. Nobly moving - Glinka's 'A Life for the Tsar' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Ravel chestnut - A dazzling arrangement of 'Bolero' for two pianos, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Mad about Glinka - Russian conductor Valery Gergiev arrives in London later this month to conduct a rare concert performance of 'A Life for the Tsar'. Musicologist Gerard McBurney talks to Roderic Dunnett about its importance

Record box. Architectural dimensions - John Bell Young listens to Evgeny Kissin's Mussorgsky

CD Spotlight - The essential acorn. 'The Armenian orchestra under Tjeknavorian gives a competent performance throughout ...' The music of Glinka, with Robert Anderson

Record Box - The Russian Psyche - Sadness in song, with Basil Ramsey