Russian classical music holds a unique and powerful place in the world’s musical heritage. In the nineteenth century, a group of passionate and nationalistic musicians came together with a mission: to create a truly Russian style of classical music. This group, famously known as The Five, transformed the musical identity of Russia. They brought native stories, folk melodies, and cultural pride into the concert halls of Europe and beyond.

Before The Five, Russian music was heavily influenced by Western Europe, particularly German, French, and Italian traditions. Many early Russian composers​ studied abroad or copied foreign styles. But The Five wanted something different. They wanted music that sounded Russian, felt Russian, and reflected the spirit of the Russian people. Their work gave rise to a new generation of musicians and helped lay the foundation for Russian musical identity in the twentieth century.

These five men—Mily Balakirev, César Cui, Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and Alexander Borodin—were not all trained in music schools. Most were self-taught or came from careers outside of music. Still, their creativity, patriotism, and deep connection to Russian culture allowed them to produce some of the most enduring works in classical music history.

Today, each Russian composer in this group is remembered for specific contributions, styles, and innovations. In this article, we will look closely at each one and explore why they are still considered giants of Russian music.

Mily Balakirev: The Leader and Visionary

Mily Balakirev was born in 1837 in Nizhny Novgorod. He is often regarded as the intellectual and spiritual leader of The Five. Balakirev received formal music training as a young man, but he also believed that real musical expression came from the people, not just academic rules. He encouraged the use of Russian folk music and national themes.

Balakirev's role in The Five was both creative and organizational. He helped shape the musical ideas of the group and mentored the others. His home became a meeting place for discussions, rehearsals, and collaboration.

As a composer, Balakirev created works like Tamara, a symphonic poem inspired by a Russian legend. His piano piece Islamey became famous for its speed and technical challenges. Though his music was not as prolific as some of the others, his influence on them was immense.

Balakirev believed that a Russian composer should be deeply connected to his national roots. His vision guided the group and gave the movement its purpose.

César Cui: The Critic and Supporter

César Cui was born in Vilnius in 1835. Unlike the other members of The Five, Cui had a successful career outside of music as a military engineer and professor of fortifications. Despite this, he devoted much of his life to composing and writing about music.

Cui’s musical works include operas, songs, and chamber music. His opera William Ratcliff was one of his most ambitious projects. He also wrote many piano miniatures and romances. Although some critics found his music less powerful than that of his peers, he played an important role in the group.

Cui’s greatest contribution was his work as a music critic. He wrote many articles defending the values of The Five and promoting their music. Through his writings, he helped build public interest in Russian classical music. He also challenged the musical elite who supported foreign influences.

As a Russian composer, Cui showed that someone with another full-time profession could still create meaningful music. His support of his colleagues made him a vital part of the group’s success.

Modest Mussorgsky: The Bold Storyteller

Modest Mussorgsky was born in 1839 into a noble family. Like others in The Five, he had no formal training at a conservatory. He worked as a military officer and a government clerk while composing in his free time.

Mussorgsky was known for his powerful musical storytelling. He wanted to write music that captured the real voice of the Russian people. He often rejected traditional rules of harmony and structure in favor of emotional truth and realism.

His most famous opera, Boris Godunov, tells the story of a troubled Russian tsar. The music is raw, dramatic, and full of psychological depth. Mussorgsky also composed Pictures at an Exhibition, a suite for piano based on a friend’s drawings. This piece later became even more famous through orchestral arrangements.

Though Mussorgsky struggled with personal problems, including alcoholism, his originality influenced many later composers. As a Russian composer, he showed that national music could also be deeply human and emotionally complex.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: The Master Craftsman

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was born in 1844 and had a naval career before fully entering the world of music. He was the most academically trained of The Five and eventually became a professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Rimsky-Korsakov is best known for his brilliant use of orchestration. His music is full of color, imagination, and exotic themes. He loved fairy tales and folk stories, and many of his works reflect this love.

His most famous piece is Scheherazade, a symphonic suite inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Other notable works include Capriccio Espagnol and The Russian Easter Festival Overture. Rimsky-Korsakov also completed and edited unfinished works by Mussorgsky and Borodin, helping preserve their legacies.

He taught many important twentieth-century composers, including Igor Stravinsky and Alexander Glazunov. Rimsky-Korsakov’s role as a teacher helped shape the future of Russian music. His reputation as a Russian composer rests not only on his own works but also on the influence he had on others.

Alexander Borodin: The Dual Genius

Alexander Borodin was born in 1833 and had a distinguished career as a chemist and medical researcher. Despite his scientific work, he managed to produce some of the most lyrical and memorable music of the nineteenth century.

Borodin’s music often combines strong melodies with rich harmonies. He had a special talent for blending Russian themes with classical form. His Symphony No. 2 and his tone poem In the Steppes of Central Asia are widely performed today.

His most famous work is the opera Prince Igor, which features the vibrant Polovtsian Dances. Borodin worked on this opera for many years, but it was completed after his death by Rimsky-Korsakov and Glazunov.

Borodin’s contributions to music and science make him one of the most remarkable figures of his time. As a Russian composer, he proved that artistic passion could thrive even outside a full-time music career.

The Lasting Impact of The Five

The Five had different backgrounds and strengths, but they shared a deep love for their homeland and its cultural traditions. They helped Russian music break free from foreign influence and created a style that was bold, national, and proud.

Their music drew from Russian folklore, history, and daily life. They were not just composers—they were cultural leaders. The world began to see that a Russian composer could be just as creative, expressive, and original as any European master.

Later composers like Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich carried their ideas into the future, each building on the foundation laid by The Five.

Conclusion

The big five Russian composers—Balakirev, Cui, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Borodin—changed the direction of Russian music forever. They united around a common goal to create music that was truly Russian in spirit and sound. They came from many walks of life, but together they formed a movement that left a lasting mark on the world of classical music.

Their influence continues to be felt in concert halls and classrooms today. Each composer added something special to the group’s shared dream. Thanks to their vision, the voice of Russia was heard—and celebrated—through music.