Alexander Borodin, 1) In the Steppes of Central Asia 1:00 - 9:20 (9:25 - 18:45) 2) Polovtsian dances with Chorus 18:50 Orchestral Pictures from Russia, USSR Symphony Orchestra - Evgeny Svetlanov 1998 Musical Heritage Society
I learned about Borodin as a chemist long before I learned he was a composer. In undergrad school my research professor suggested I continue his work with aldol chemistry for my senior project. Read up on him and his work and decided that my interests lay elsewhere, so chose another project , Cut forward for about 20 years. When my career gave me a lot more time in my office than in my lab, I kept a radio tuned to a local NPR classical music station. One afternoon the announcer said "next up is In The Steppes Of Central Asia by Alexander Borodin". The music was glorious, and my brain said "you've heard than name before" so I looked him up as a composer. Cut forward another 20 years. After retirement from my chemistry job, I returned to playing euphonium in concert bands. Had a blast recovering my musical roots. I'm still definitely amateur, but I'm blessed by being surrounded by people who ARE talented and music educators. About 4 years ago, the music director for one of my bands chose Borodin's 2nd symphony for a concert. Knowing that I was a retired chemist, he asked me to give the introduction ... talk about all the fascinating aspects of his life. Unfortunately for me, I was allotted no more than 5 minutes. How can you tell the story of such an accomplished man in that short of a time? Chemist, college professor, physician, surgeon (and as someone else mentioned, he and his wife founded the first medical college in Russia that admitted women). Borodin and his wife never had children of their own, but they mentored and took in a LOT of kids who were what we'd call "underprivileged" today. Died at the age of 53 while hosting a party. I get the impression that everyone who knew him thought he was a genius in all the fields he worked in.
Another chemist here, I came at Borodin from the music first...but also was delighted to know that he had a "day job". It encouraged me to write a few pieces of my own.
I knew him as both composer and scientist (whose reactions tended to yield uncrystallisable molasses in undergrad labs). He's my favourite to bring out a parties "Borodin did it, you can do both art & science". It sounds like he's been your constant companion in life and you probably couldn't have chosen better.
@@LecherousLizard This is a new word in historiography. It turns out that Russia was founded by the Mongols!!!?? lol. An interesting hypothesis, but it has nothing to do with the true story.
That's just what's ghastly about our modern age. We think that specialisation is the only possible way, and refuse to accept the fact that men can be good at totally disparate things without any inner contradiction. Totally the opposite of the renaissance spirit - and we're all the poorer for it.
@@avian8338 I hadn't thought about the fact that you point out--that we are living in the exact opposite of the Renaissance. You are right. And you are right that we are the worse for it. Thanks for the thought.
@@elizabethschaeffer9543 Borodin held the position of deputy professor at the Medical and Surgical Academy. In the field of organic synthesis research, he made two discoveries. One of the chemical reactions is named after him. He fought for the rights of women to receive higher education and was one of the organizers of Higher Women's Medical Courses, where he taught chemistry for free since 1872.
Borodin provided the following description in a note to the score to the Steppes: "In the silence of the monotonous steppes of Central Asia is heard the unfamiliar sound of a peaceful Russian song. From the distance we hear the approach of horses and camels and the bizarre and melancholy notes of an oriental melody. A caravan approaches, escorted by Russian soldiers, and continues safely on its way through the immense desert. It disappears slowly. The notes of the Russian and Asiatic melodies join in a common harmony, which dies away as the caravan disappears in the distance" It's colorful programatic music imbued with character and of course Rimsky Korsakov style orchestration and I vividly recall listening to this piece with awe as a youngster. From a performer's point of view, whilst not technically challenging nor emotionally difficult, it is a deeply satisfying work and should perhaps be performed more often. Despite all the politics, economics and wars in the world today what we need is hear each other and understand we're in this together. Music has the power to cross these borders and open our hearts.
@@cevdetaygun5969 and you did an excellent job of ruining it.. Take your pol to your place and leave our ears free to listen to music... You don't belong here... Go back to your tv.
The second or third LP I bought when I was 12 years old had these two pieces. Almost 70 years later they still bring me comfort and pleasure. Thanks for sharing this here.
I have always felt this! Hi from Nebraska! I drove through Wyoming and took my time in 2015! That place held onto me like a jealous lover, though I was on my way to Oregon! 🥰
I suppose great music is universal , that shouldn't be constrained by continents , or languages. But I can certainly see what you mean . Thank goodness , I had a music teacher back in the early sixties , who introduced the class to all the great Russian composers . I don't know what the others in my class thought about that , but from the very first time of hearing , I fell in love with everything I heard . And after all these years I still feel that same way , only more so I suppose . Glorious music never ages , and will live on for years to come , unlike all of us .
Borodin's In the Steppes of Central Asia and Polovtsian dances were among the reasons I long ago took an interest in the history and ethnography of that region, which much later led me to study the local languages and register as a student of Central Asian studies. I am by now retired from my work at a museum and still going on studying these fascinating cultures of the steppe nomads. All this thanks to my mother who used to play some of Prince Igor's pieces at the piano, we children religiously listening to them.
Questa è una melodia che parla al cuore,alla mente e all'anima. Dolce malinconica triste eppure è un momento esaltante per il nostro sentire tutti i sensi e tutto il corpo vibrano per questa melodia antica e giovane insieme. Ci ricorda che siamo nati per essere liberi e per aiutarci l'un l'altro. Non dobbiamo essere Bruti ma esseri umani capaci di amare e di fare il bene.
beautiful music, an eternal gem that will inspire generations forever, it sure gives me goosebumps and recollections of a girlfriend long gone, bless her soul
There's just something about this music that teleports my mind to earth's natural wonders - Altai Mountains, Grand Canyon, Eurasian Steppes, Yarlung Tsangpo. This world is so vast, and there's so much more beauty than we'll ever know.
We are all broken, lost in an unpredictable world, in need of compassion and hope. This music gives us this hope, that somehow through all the mayhem, misinformation and hate, there is also beauty and love. Close your eyes when you listen to this piece. You will experience it as never before.
I was lying in bed a couple of nights ago, a bit feverish with Covid - not too seriously, thankfully - and with the pain and sorrow of those around me and of the world going around in my mind. This piece - I hadn't heard in decades - came recommended so I thought I'd listen to it while looking at texts and emails. Then I read your comment and instead shut my eyes and listened. And felt something hopeful, beautiful, peaceful I was in danger of forgetting. It was an unexpected lovely moment. So just to say, from a complete stranger, in England: thank you for your wisdom. We humans could be so much more than greed, indifference, prejudice (and mayhem, misinformation and hate) allow us to be. Cheers and bless you.
I studied Russian in college forty-five years ago, and learned of Borodin then. It's not often, but every time I run across this piece of music, I enjoy it more. Glinka too.
Hermoso, me dio un vuelco el corazón, me recordó mi niñez en casa de mis padres, la estancia, la paz, y la música que inundaba todo y yo observando y deleitandome con las imágenes que tenían la impresión de la cubierta del disco. La casa de mis padres, un espacio bello y perfecto, impecable, ordenado, cuantos recuerdos. Gracias mil. Desde el fondo de mi corazón. Gracias
Sometimes greatness is just superlative. A Doctor of Chemistry and a word class composer. Maybe he would have been a gold medalist at the Olympic Games if they had existed then. Perhaps a Nobel a prize, too?
That's a wonderful idea. In fact, RU-vid has a upload of Prince Igor. I'll watch it tonight. Check the link below. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-un1rtMjtYzM.html
I may be American by birth, but my parents were born in Russia (pre-Revolution), as were countless ancestors. How this music stirs my old soul and connects me to a magnificent past. Thank you.
This speaks greatly to my soul, although my genetics are western Europe and native American, but that's my body.I'm sure my soul has reincarnated in Russia and the steppes many times because i love it so.
The people of Western Europe and the natives of America both descend from the Siberians of long ago. Cousins separated by distance but still able to recognize the soul of a home from long ago.
Borodin is one of those newly-discovered composers for me. It's a pleasure learning and listening after 50 years of not knowing. Some of the themes are familiar. Some make one cry. Beautiful.
This is one of Borodins finest compositions, just the name alone sends shivers down my spine. As I listen I see in my mind the millions of square miles of empty land that has existed since time immemorial. I have tears in my eyes right now, tears of emotion that humanity can produce such a genius. I am English and for me Vaughan Williams composed emotional music like this about a very different landscape, his Fantasia on Thomas Tallis and the Lark Ascending affects me is the exact same way. Despite our MANY FAULTS humanity has managed to produce genius’s like this that transcend our SINS and let us experience the beauty that is OUR MOTHER EARTH.
You might also love Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe as well! For me it’s the pinnacle of human creativity and experience, I always break into tears while listening to it
@@user-nf3kz9ee2n I completely agree, a WONDERFUL piece. This music does not need to be blasted out at high volume, sometimes I wait for everyone at home to go to bed and the house is quiet. Then I sit in a comfortable chair, turn the lights very low and play these pieces at a very low volume. The music will overwhelm you and take you to another place, how fortunate are we that we that such brilliant minds have evolved that can produce such beauty. Best wishes.
It was moving for me to read your words. I share everything you said. Borodin's music, as well as the music of soooo many other greats will last forever, even beyond the grave. I just imagine my soul sailing through the universe listening to The New World Symphony, Scherazade, everything by Tchaikosky, and so many others. I imagine the universe alive with this music. Talk about crying! Sail on, my friend.
@@user-nf3kz9ee2n Oh yes, Ravel is also on my list of GENIUSES. I recently watched a documentary about Aaron Copland, another of my favorites, he talked about a visit to France where he met Ravel, can you imagine two such brilliant men talking about their music.
I think I haven't found yet a better music to listen to at work. This music not only brings mind clarity to me, but it sets me into a happy and peaceful state that no other music did.
Borodin gives us through the music the picture of the steppes in central Asia, its extent, colors and ambiance. This music is sublime and the author manages to involve the listener in this fantastic other world. Bravo!! The Polovtsian dances are amazing in choral interpretation with an flawless orchestration.Bravissimo!!
The picture reminds me of my month long stay in Mongolia. In particular the many days spent travelling across the plains, just as seen here. The mountains in the North formed a ridge dividing Russia which I knew was on the other side. The music reminds of the huge horizons and rolling hills that went on forever.
Having driven many many miles across the steppes this music brings back the wonderful memories I have and the dear friends that share those memories with me and who will remain with me for the rest of my life.
Alexander Borodin's In the Steppes of Central Asia is a composition that takes his audience straight to the Steppes of Central Asia. The majesty of sweep of his music gels with the vastness of the Steppes and gently rolling hills. The Oriental tune adds to the atmosphere of pastoral calm and charm. Borodin must have loved the land to have composed this piece of enchanting beauty for all time.
In Central Asia there are no steppes (there are only deserts there). Steppes are Europe and non-Central Asia, and name Kazakhstan was invented only in 1930s. Putin rightly said that Nazarbayev (president) created a country where "there was not anything". In USSR it was customary to refer to the region as "Kazakhstan and Central Asia"
@@paruhblgen4222 The steppes like the Eurasian continent are contiguous and straddle over both Europe and Asia stretching from the Danube basin to Central Mongolia. Kirghizstan and Kazakhstan are largely grasslands extending to highlands of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Tibet and Chinese Xingiang, which are quite within Central Asia, Though Russia had conflicts and contacts with Asiatic people since the invasions of Genghiz Khan and his descendants following the 11th century, it was during the 19th century largely when Czarist Russia annexed most of the Asiatic Republics north of the plateaux of Iran, Afghanistan, Tibet and Chinese Xingiang. This phase of intense Russian imperialism and nationalism coincided with the European phase of colonialist expansion and nationalism as well giving birth to arts, particularly music, which assimilated dfferent ethnic cultures not only of their own nations but of their subject colonies and others as well. Brahms, Liszt, Dvorak, Bartok, etc were products of this phase in Europe as Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Glazunov, Rimsky Karsakov etc were in Russia. Borodin however chose the much earlier 11-12th century contacts of the Kievan Russians with the Turkic Polovtsians in the east Ukrainian Steppes, on which his world-famous compositions, "In the Steppes of Central Asia" and "The Polovtsian Dances" are based, though Borodin seldom travelled beyond St Petersburg where he spent most of his life as a doctor and chemist. However even today Ukraine and many other parts of European Russia have people speaking languages and adopting lifestyles of Turkic origin settled there though genetically they may be of mixed Mongolian, Turkic and Russian origins.
@@haroldhansen4745 Yes, I did in a loose sense to mean non-Western and Eastern or Asiatic. Borodin's Steppes composition is not in any case typically in a Western.idiom. The Russian steppes of Borodin's times had a vast middle stretch which was neither strictly Western nor strictly Eastern geographically, ethnically, linguistically, culturally and, most importantly, musically as well.This is more or less so even today.
I sang the Polovtsian Dances at secondary school. I was 11 years old then, and from then on had a passionate love for Central Asia, for the music of Borodin and for ancient Russian history ‘Слово о Полку Игореве’).
When I first heard this melody as a child, it immediately took me to the steppe.I didn't know who the author was,what he called this topic.But neither the forest nor the sea, only the steppe instantly appeared in my head.Borodin painted a recognizable picture with notes, not colors.And Yes, I didn't know then,I didn't see the steppe live.This mastery.
An interesting fact: the composers Rimsky-Korsakov and Scriabin had a color perception of sounds - synopsy. They saw all the sound tonalities of major and minor painted in certain colors. Rimsky-Korsakov's music is often called "sound painting." The music of Russian composers can be called illustrative. They really drew pictures with notes, not colors. It is enough to recall "Pictures at an Exhibition " by Mussorgsky.
This portion of Borodin's description "in a note to the score to the Steppes" (see the wonderful comments provided by Wardyyo) stands out in particular for me every time I listen to the ending of this musical gem: "The notes of the Russian and Asiatic melodies join in a common harmony, which dies away as the caravan disappears in the distance." The two main melodies not just join but harmonically support each other, playing simultaneously. So, to me, the ending is a miniature drama of human harmony symbolizing universal brotherhood/sisterhood, as if to say we are all in this together, why the conflicts and wars that never seem to end. Thanks for the upload and all the comments sharing how this piece touched them.
A few years ago I opened the Vancouver Theatre Under the Stars production of Kismet opening bars that the bassoon or oboe plays singing -"Princes come princess go-an hour of pomp and show and over the sands of time they know---- not then realizing where this beautiful melody originated. Borodin has become one of my favorite composers since then!
she didn't do you any favors telling you what to imagine instead of letting your imagination do its own lifting ... and here you are a middle aged man still trapped in her tepid suggestion
I have always been fascinated by the connection that exists between Asia and the peoples of Russia. Borodin's music embodies some of the beauty and enigma of Asian cultures, or a portion thereof.
I think if Saint Petersburg (Санкт-Петербург) is a city very very inspiring for Borodin and others, simple inexplicable, luck for culture and humankind, God blessed Saint Petersburg.
As a self-confessed old rock 'n roller it surprises me to realise that I believe "In the steppes..." along with Vaughan William's English Folk song suite, to be the best music in the world
Vaughan Williams is great stuff too. The Lark Ascending” and “Variations on a theme by Thomas Tallis” are both pieces that paint a picture in your head like Borodin does with this.
<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="60">1:00</a> If I leave this world, and I know that it will be so, I hope to leave listening and feeling this music
Much of classical music gets too busy, frenetic and over ornamented. This piece keeps music simple, digestable with beautiful melodies, harmonies and a feeling of tranquility. Kudos to Borodin and this fine orchestra!
Heard this for the first time in the classic fm hall of fame at Easter. And still listening! What a masterpiece by another genius of the classical culture.. ♥️
Impecable interpretación de la creación de Borodin que nos transporta al Asia Central con todo el sentimiento ruso del nacionalismo romántico con su nostálgico recuerdo de una travesía a caballo por la estepa en una tarde de otoño. No puedo menos que rendir mí modesto homenaje a su talento que renueva mí interés en conocer vuestra cultura y la enorme grandiosidad de vuestro dilatado territorio. Va mí aplauso desde Buenos Aires con agradecimiento por haber disfrutado de un momento inolvidable.
If I am not mistake, this place my little village where I was born, near the atomic Semei polygon. It's amazing hear that song, I m taking great feelings
this music literally caresses my heart, i feel the sound waves brushing my soul as they penetrate me that ended in a strange manner it's your brain not mine
@@alexandermenzies9954 Here's another one; Quality is a dimension of Life, the only dimension of Science is Quantity. Science is a domain of death. Haha. Enoy your day. TOOTLES🤡
@@gideonros2705 May I ask how science ‘destroys’ life?? Science is all about finding out the laws of the universe, and ways for humanity to benefit from them. Those musical instruments with beautiful timbres are also the product of scientific theories and craftsmanship… So yeah, plz give science some respect😅
"Take my hand, I'm a stranger in paradise . . . ." I don't know when I heard the real Borodin work the first time. It was on the old Time-Life: Story of Great Music Series (Slavic). It stirred me today as much as it did years ago. I also think I got to sing some of this music in the community chorus in Bradenton/Sarasota. That is very muddled now so I lack certainty on that.
Maravilhoso!!! E ouvir cantada por russos melhor ainda. Certa vez, eu estava indo para a faculdade de medicina, de ônibus e um grande engarrafamento. Ficamos parados ao lado de uma loja de discos e de lá veio, em alto e bom som, uma melodia maravilhosa! Era céu na Terra. Eu não a conhecia. Guardei na memória e no coração. Por muitos anos procurei essa música até que um dia uma colega me mostrou e me disse que música era. Muito grata por ouvir essa versão.
I was in Kazakhstan for the Expo and drove to Burabai. Traveling through the Steppes was breathtaking and prairie dogs were everywhere. I enjoyed it immensely, and my mind just kept playing this music. It was a tremendous soundtrack to a glorious day.
Sounds like they need some riflemen to clean up some of those dog-towns.. they destroy the land for grazing... We have a similar problem in parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. But anymore the influx of rich Californians is messing up the landscape. But they won't let hunters take a bag or open a season on THEM...
The prairie dogs were there way before your introduced (yes, profitable to you) cattle. They and bison kept the soil permeable, renewed , and a storehouse of fertility until we thought we knew better. We brought dust bowls, mud-wallows, and the need for petroleum-derived fertilizers that barely supply the minimum requirements. Its home might break your horse's ankle, but the prairie dog is way smarter and better suited to this land than we are
I sah Svetlanoff in the 80s in Frankfurt germany (west). Great conductor and orchestra. The the balakireff symphny where the railway runs thtough the hall. Neuer folgt this
Borodin fue un químico extraordinario. Algunos de sus procedimientos se estudian en las facultades de química de muchos países. Fue compositor por afición a la música su obra más importante es la ópera " El príncipe Igor", no la pudo terminar en vida y la acabó su amigo Rimsky Korsakow.
A magnificent composition, the first time I've heard it in full. One of the most evocative pieces of music I know. The scene picture fits the music perfectly, I keep looking to see the wagons in the distance, imagining them moving inexorably closer, passing right by, then away again to disappear over the horizon
I had not heard this for ages and stumbled across it tonight. I will probably listen to it every for the next few weeks to make up for my loss. It is a beautiful piece of music. I will now close my eyes and let my mind make the scene.
"As a chemist, Borodin is known best for his work concerning organic synthesis, including being among the first chemists to demonstrate nucleophilic substitution, as well as being the co-discoverer of the aldol reaction."
@@arizonastrip73 I'm studying chemistry and came across the aldol reaction while listening to this piece, having no idea they originate from the same person. What a coincidence.
Nom de Dieu. Cette pièce m'a été présentée il y a plus de 60 ans par un merveilleux proffesseur de musique. M. Béchard à l'école Jean-Raimbault de Drummondville en secondaire 2. M.Béchard nous a raconté cette histoire merveillleuse entre de pauvres villageois et des soldats russes. C'est pour moi maintenet un souvenir de ce très compétant passionné professeur de musique.
I just love this music! It is SOO beautiful and tranquil it makes me imagine I am traveling through the steppes of Central Asia on a train in Alexander"s time period or perhaps on yak or horseback!
I'd pass on the yak thing, my aging bones wouldnt take to it. I could get used to horseback again, but would probably prefer a 4wd vehicle. And no, I wouldnt herd goats again, done enuff of that in my life.. Still one wonders what life in a yurt would be like... much like an Amer-Indian teepee one supposes, but without the vast herds of buffalo.. the Tsars should have thought to introduce the American bison to the open steppes...
I think it is pretty cool how even though I know little French, 80% of that text was still understandable. It really shows how similar English and French are to each other.
Grazie per la bellissima descrizione delle steppe asia centrale......pura poesia ❤ Grazie per le tue profonde riflessioni.....è vero che la musica unisce al di là di divisioni guerre e quant altro che divide anziché unire......restiamo uniti nella musica ❤
