Classical Music/Group of Composers

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Expert: - 10/10/2006


Question
Dear Sir,

Who were the Mighty Five Russian Composers? Why was Tchaikovsky removed from the group? Who was the one that replaced him? Who gave them that name? Did anyone else get removed?
Would appreciate any information you might provide on this.
Thank you
Jim Robert

Answer
The composers of "the Five"/"the Handful" were Mussorgsky, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, Cui, and Balakirev.  All were actually in another line of work and composed "on the side," tho some wanted to leave their non-musical responsibilities behind (and did).

I wasn't aware Tchaikovsky ever was in the group; some thot his music was too "European-ized."  Rubenstein's, too.  By contrast with T and R, all five used Russian folk tunes/influences/etc. in their music. It's very identifiable as "Russian" in the same way that Copland's music is very identifiable as "American."

Since it was a "school [style] of music," it wasn't a "membership" kind of thing.  Therefore no one was added or kicked out.  I don't know who gave them that name.  Probably some journalist, mostly like a music critic.

You'll find a lot of info if you google on "Russian five composer".

mb

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