Too big a handful

The Mighty Handful, who collaborated between 1856 and 1881, changed the direction of Russian music, permanently freeing it from Germanic influences and setting the scene for the country’s ground-breaking music in the 20th century.

Who were these five composers? What was the dynamic between them, and what conditions fomented their musical iconoclasm?

In this episode, Donald Macleod sees Balakirev take control over the two leading performing ensembles in St Petersburg at the height of his influence. His ‘Free Music School’ operated in opposition to the more conservative Russian Music Society and St Petersburg Conservatoire.

Balakirev’s personality could be abrasive and tactless, and he in no way toned it down during his two years at the helm of the conservatoire, which had conservative tastes. The Mighty Handful themselves were on the rough end of his criticisms too. They began to meet away from Balakirev, where they could talk freely without constant criticism.

Overseeing two orchestras, coupled with the financial worries of the Free School, proved too much for Balakirev. He was sacked from the conservatoire, before a very public slanging match ensued.

Balakirev had a breakdown, giving up music and taking a job as a railway clerk to make ends meet.

Balakirev: Extracts from 30 Russian Folk Songs
No. 1. Dormition of the Mother of God
No. 8. Nikita Romanovich
No. 11. The Razvoinik Brothers and their Sister
Joseph Banowetz and Alton Chung Ming Chan, piano duet

Rimsky-Korsakov: “Antar” Symphonic Suite Op. 9
IV. Allegretto - Adagio
St Petersburg State Symphony
Andre Anichanov, conductor

Balakirev: Symphony No. 1 in C major
III. Andante
Russian State Symphony Orchestra
Igor Golovschin, conductor

Borodin: Symphony No. 2 in B minor
I. Allegro
II. Scherzo: Prestissimo. Trio: Allegretto
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vladimir Ashkenazy, conductor

Balakirev: Mazurka No. 2 in C sharp minor
Nicholas Walker, piano