Mikhail Glinka short biography

One of the greatest Russian composers, Mikhail Glinka has been described as ‘father of Russian music’. Glinka was the first Russian composer to introduce Russian nationalism in music. Young Glinka took a few piano lessons from the Irish pianist John Field, but for a long time, Glinka did not study music professionally. Only after his visits to Italy and Berlin, Glinka decided to pursue professional studies in music. Glinka’s compositions earned him an almost instant recognition in Russia and all over Europe. Glinka's great achievement in opera was combination of Western operatic form and Russian tunes. Glinka’s orchestral music is both traditional and innovative, and always exciting. Glinka’s ideas were a driving force for the future generations of Russian composers.