Balakirev: Symphony No. 2 / Piano Concerto / Tamara

"It is irresistible if you like these couplings and want very good modern recording technology."
(MusicWeb 2005)

Balakirev occupies a key position in Russian musical history. Chiefly known as the leader of the 'Mighty Handful', he was largely self-taught and disliked traditional musical methods. He proved immensely influential in creating a strong national identity for Russian music in the nineteenth century, an identity which it had not enjoyed before.