Alexander Borodin

NAME Alexander Porfiryevich Borodin

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Borodin was a renowned Romantic composer and chemist of Georgian-Russian extraction, celebrated for his symphonies, string quartets, and the opera "Prince Igor". His work in organic chemistry, particularly his research on aldehydes, also marks him as a notable scientist.

BIRTH Born on November 12, 1833, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Borodin was the illegitimate son of a Georgian nobleman and a Russian woman.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He was the illegitimate son of Prince Luka Gedianov, an elderly Georgian prince, and Avdotya Konstantinovna Antonova, who was married to an army doctor. To save any public embarrassment, he was registered under the name of one of the Prince’s serfs, Pofiry Borodin. His parents ensured that Borodin was reared in comfortable circumstances despite his illegitimacy.

CHILDHOOD Young Borodin received a good education through private tutors at home, fostering his early gift for languages and music. He was fascinated by chemistry experiments (including fireworks!).

EDUCATION He studied at the Medico-Surgical Academy from 1850 to 1856, specializing in chemistry, and earned a doctorate in 1858. Further studies in Western Europe from 1859 to 1862 solidified his scientific expertise.

CAREER RECORD Borodin became an adjunct professor of chemistry at the Medico-Surgical Academy and was later promoted to full professor in 1864. He is also known for founding medical courses for women in 1872.

Borodin composed prolifically despite his demanding scientific career, often working on music during free time or periods of illness.

APPEARANCE Descriptions of Borodin often note his robust stature and expressive eyes, reflecting the intensity of both his scientific and musical passions. He was described as having a kind and gentle face.

Borodin, c. 1865

FASHION He dressed in a manner befitting a professor and a gentleman of his era.

CHARACTER Borodin was known for his optimism, intelligence, and dedication to both his scientific and musical pursuits. He was described as a kind and generous individual, actively involved in social causes.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Anecdotes suggest that Borodin had a warm sense of humour, often reflected in his musical compositions and personal correspondences.

RELATIONSHIPS He married pianist Ekaterina Protopopova in 1863 and the couple adopted several daughters. Ekaterina continually battled with asthma and had very unusual sleeping habits (4am to 2pm) 

MONEY AND FAME While Borodin did not seek fame, his contributions to both science and music have posthumously earned him a celebrated place in history.

FOOD AND DRINK Borodin likely enjoyed traditional Russian dishes like shchi (cabbage soup), borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and kasha (buckwheat porridge). Given his travels to Western Europe, he might have incorporated European dishes like roasted meats, stews, and pastries into his diet.

Tea was a popular beverage in Russia during the 19th century, and Borodin likely enjoyed it throughout the day.

MUSIC AND ARTS Borodin was passionate about music from a young age, playing piano, flute, and cello.

He advocated for a distinct national identity in Russian music, composing works that incorporated folk elements and epic storytelling.

Borodin was a member of "The Five", a group dedicated to creating a uniquely Russian style of classical music. His compositions showcase his nationalistic style.

In 1862, Borodin apprenticed himself to the formidable Mily Balakirev, diving headfirst into the world of composition. While under Balakirev's tutelage in composition he began his Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, which was first performed in 1869.

Word of Borodin's brilliance soon wafted out of Russia, tickling the ears of the legendary Franz Liszt. The great composer took Borodin under his wing, championing his music wherever he could. This encouragement fueled Borodin's creative fire, and he poured his heart into his symphonic picture, "In the Steppes of Central Asia." This piece showcased his unique flair for the exotic, taking his musical explorations to new frontiers of poetic expression.

But Borodin's crowning achievement, in the eyes of many, is his epic opera, "Prince Igor." Considered a landmark of Russian opera, it boasts the showstopping "Polovtsian Dances," which have become a concert hall favorite – and arguably Borodin's most recognizable work. He toiled away at "Prince Igor" for years, pouring his soul into the project. Tragically, it remained unfinished at his death in 1887. Thankfully, the baton was picked up by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Alexander Glazunov, who polished the gem and brought Borodin's vision to the stage.

LITERATURE Borodin was well-read, as evidenced by his extensive education and the intellectual circles he frequented.

NATURE His love for nature is evident in the pastoral and evocative landscapes he painted with his music.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Aside from music and scientific research, Borodin enjoyed attending social gatherings and engaging in intellectual discussions.

SCIENCE AND MATHS At the same time as writing his First Symphony, Borodin was also fulfilling his duties as Professor at the Medio-Surgical Academy in St Petersburg, and he helped to set up the first medical courses for women in Russia.

Borodin was one of the foremost chemists of his time, being particularly noted for his work on aldehydes. In 1872 he announced to the Russian Chemical Society the discovery of a new by-product in aldehyde reactions with alcohol-like properties.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Borodin's commitment to education and progress suggests a forward-thinking mindset.

SCANDAL Borodin's life was relatively free of scandal, with his illegitimate birth being the most notable exception.

MILITARY RECORD Borodin did not serve in the miltary

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Borodin suffered from poor health in his later years, including cholera and heart problems.

HOMES He grew up in a large four-storey house provided by his Georgian father, reflecting his comfortable upbringing despite his illegitimate status.

TRAVEL Borodin traveled to Western Europe for his studies, which influenced his scientific and musical development.

DEATH He passed away suddenly of a heart attack on February 27, 1887, while attending a ball at the Medico-Surgical Academy in Saint Petersburg. Borodin was just 53-years old. 

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Borodin's music has been featured in various forms of media, including films and television, often embodying the essence of Russian Romanticism.

ACHIEVEMENTS Among his many achievements, Borodin is remembered for his symphonies, his role in advancing organic chemistry, and his advocacy for women's education in medicine.