Known for its vodka, the Kremlin, nesting dolls, and literature, Russia has also had its share of greatness in the arts. The classical music world was no exception, producing some of the best composers in the world.
These men and women, with their unique and groundbreaking styles, led the way in a number of different genres, inspiring new generations of musicians to continue their legacy.
In this post, we’re going to look at the lives and music of 13 of the greatest Russian composers who have contributed hugely to the world of classical music. Let’s get started.
Related: Next, check out our list of the greatest composers of all time here.
1. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
When you think of Russian composers, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky would most likely be up there among the greats. Born in Votkinsk, Russia, he loved music from a young age, despite his family’s wish for him to study law.
Eventually, he pursued his passion and studied composition at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he was influenced by Mozart, Beethoven, and Wagner.
Tchaikovsky’s music covered a wide range of styles, including symphonies, ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, and operas. His emotional struggles, especially concerning his sexuality, often inspired his compositions.
Tragically, Tchaikovsky passed away at 53, with the cause of his death still debated, possibly due to cholera or suicide.
Related: Next, check out our list of facts about Tchaikovsky here.
2. Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943)
Now, let’s talk about Sergei Rachmaninoff. Born in 1873, he showed amazing musical talent early on. He began piano lessons at four and entered the Moscow Conservatory at age 10.
Rachmaninoff gained early fame with pieces like the Prelude in C-Sharp Minor and his First Piano Concerto. Despite a tough time after his Symphony no. 1 was poorly received, he bounced back and regained his creative spark.
In 1917, Rachmaninoff left Russia due to the Revolution and settled in the United States. There, he composed some of his most famous works, like the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and his Third and Fourth Piano Concertos.
3. Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971)
Like many composers on this list, Igor Stravinsky showed a natural talent for music early on and learned piano and composition. He gained early fame for his ballet music.
His style was initially influenced by Russian folk music, evident in works like The Rite of Spring, which famously caused a riot at its premiere in 1913 due to its bold, avant-garde approach.
In the 1920s, Stravinsky’s music shifted towards neoclassicism, blending older musical styles with his own innovative ideas in compositions like Pulcinella and Symphony of Psalms.
Composing aside, Stravinsky was also a conductor and music theorist. He even published a book titled Poetics of Music.
4. Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975)
Next, meet Dmitri Shostakovich, a famous Russian composer known for his symphonies, string quartets, and film scores.
He started his musical journey early, and in 1926, his Symphony no. 1 premiered, marking the start of his career. Although his piano playing was criticized, he focused on composing.
During Stalin’s rule in the late 1920s and ’30s, Shostakovich faced challenges, especially after his opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District was condemned.
Nevertheless, Shostakovich continued to compose and received praise for his Symphony no. 5. He went on to create 15 symphonies, 15 string quartets, and many film scores.
5. Alexander Borodin (1833–1887)
Unlike the others on this list, Alexander Borodin started as a chemist and professor but loved music and composed in his spare time. His music was inspired by Russian folk tunes, giving it a unique national flavor.
His Symphony no. 2 in B Minor is one of his most famous works. Although its 1877 premiere wasn’t well received, it later found success with some changes by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Another notable piece of Borodin’s is the opera Prince Igor, which he couldn’t finish before he died.
Despite his musical talent, Borodin’s work was often overshadowed by his career in science. He died suddenly at 53, and his music was truly appreciated only after his death.
6. Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953)
Our next Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev, is a major 20th-century composer. A musical prodigy, he learned piano from his mother and entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory at 13.
One of his most famous works is the ballet Romeo and Juliet, loved and performed worldwide. He also wrote symphonies, concertos, operas, and chamber music.
Prokofiev had a successful career in Russia and internationally, but he faced political challenges — he Soviet authorities tried to control his artistic expression.
Despite these struggles, Prokofiev continued to compose until his death in 1953, which was largely unnoticed because it happened on the same day as Joseph Stalin’s death.
7. Modest Mussorgsky (1839–1881)
The year 1839 saw the birth of Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky. His mother, a talented pianist, taught him to play piano when he was young. By nine, he was playing music by famous composers like Franz Liszt.
Mussorgsky started working in civil service but soon turned to music. His famous works include the piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition, inspired by different paintings, and A Night on Bald Mountain, which tells a story about a night of witches’ revelry.
Despite his talent, Mussorgsky struggled with alcoholism and died at 42. His music became more famous after his death, thanks to other composers who revised and performed his works.
8. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908)
A master of orchestration, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was a key figure in 19th-century classical music. His Symphony in E-Flat Minor premiered in 1865, marking his serious entry into composing. However, he is best known for his operas and orchestral works.
One of his most famous pieces is Scheherazade, an 1888 orchestral suite that beautifully tells the story of “One Thousand and One Nights.” Other popular works include The Golden Cockerel and Flight of the Bumblebee.
Recognized for his talent, Rimsky-Korsakov became a professor at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1871. He also dedicated time to revising and editing his colleagues’ works, especially those of Mussorgsky.
9. Mikhail Glinka (1804–1857)
Up next is Mikhail Glinka, known as the father of Russian classical music. While living in Italy, he was inspired by Italian composers like Donizetti and Bellini and began composing with a Russian touch. His early works included pieces like Six Studies for Contralto and Capriccio on Russian Themes.
Back in Russia, he successfully premiered his first opera, A Life for the Tsar, in 1836. His second opera, Ruslan and Lyudmila, didn’t fare as well, which deeply affected him. Despite this, Glinka gained popularity throughout Europe and continued composing until his sudden death in 1857.
10. Irving Berlin (1888–1989)
Our next composer, Irving Berlin, was born in 1888 in Russia but moved to the US when he was five. Despite growing up poor, he taught himself piano while working in bars.
Berlin had a keen ear for melodies and music composition. He became famous for his Broadway musical scores like Annie Get Your Gun and Call Me Madam.
But Berlin’s impact goes beyond theater. His songs, such as “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” are timeless classics that are part of American culture. His influence on American history earned him many awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
11. Alexander Scriabin (1872–1915)
Showing musical talent early, Alexander Scriabin began studying piano and composition at the Moscow Conservatory when he was 16.
In his early career, Scriabin was inspired by Romantic composers like Chopin. He composed many solo piano pieces, such as Études and Preludes.
As he matured, his music became more experimental. He moved away from traditional music rules, exploring atonality and the mystical connection between colors and music keys.
One of his grand ideas was Mysterium, a project he never finished. It was meant to be a week-long performance combining music, light, and dance.
12. Mily Balakirev (1836–1910)
At just 15, Mily Balakirev started composing and conducting his own orchestra. While studying math at the University of Kazan, he also gained recognition as a pianist.
In St. Petersburg, composer Mikhail Glinka encouraged Balakirev to pursue music professionally. After the deaths of his mentors, Balakirev continued composing and became known for works like King Lear.
He mentored César Cui and Modest Mussorgsky, forming The Russian Five with Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin. Together, they founded the Free School of Music. Later in his life, despite facing personal struggles, including a decade-long withdrawal from music, Balakirev returned to lead the Free School.
13. César Cui (1835–1918)
Born in Vilna, Lithuania, part of the Russian Empire at the time, César Cui was part of The Five, a group of influential composers that included Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin, and Balakirev.
While Cui is less well-known than some of his peers, he made significant contributions to Russian music. He composed chamber music, operas like William Ratcliff, The Captain’s Daughter, and more.
In 1858, he married Malvina Rafailovna Bamberg, dedicating his orchestral Scherzo, op. 1, to her. Later in life, Cui lost his sight but continued composing with the help of others. His legacy includes 276 compositions, books on music and military fortification, and over 800 articles.
Summing Up Our List Of The Best Russian Composers
That wraps up our post on the greatest composers from Russia. We hope you’ve enjoyed this list and hopefully discovered some new composers.
As you can see, all these composers have contributed not only to the evolution of Russian music but to classical music as a whole and are well worth having on your playlist.
Let us know if you think we’ve missed anyone. We’ll get them added here!
