Mili Alexeevich Balakirev, Russian composer and conductor, leader of the group called The Mighty Five.
In 1862 Balakirev founded the Free School of Music in St. Petersburg and conducted (1867-69) the Russian Music Society and (1883-94) the Imperial Chapel Choir and Imperial Music Society.
His works include the symphonic poems Tamara and Russ (or Russia); a piano fantasy, Islamey; incidental music for King Lear; and songs.
His music combined romanticism with Russian and Caucasian folk songs.
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