Alexander Porfirievich Borodin was a unique person. He achieved success in two completely different areas: music and medicine. In addition, he took an active public position: he did everything possible so that Russian women could get higher education.
It is worth noting that his personality is still not appreciated. Residents of Russia who are not interested in classical music, probably did not even hear his name.
Yes, it’s possible that Alexander Porfiryevich’s account doesn’t have as many works as other composers, but this fact can be explained by too high demands on himself.
If you like classical music, be sure to pay attention to the work of this composer, it also makes sense to read our article. Here are the most interesting facts about Borodin and stories from his life.
10. The illegitimate child of the Georgian prince
The place of birth of Alexander Porfirevich is St. Petersburg. He was the illegitimate child of a Georgian prince. Father - Luka Gedianov, mother - Avdotya Antonovna. Little is known about them.
The child was recorded on the serf Luke Porfiry Borodin. Gedianov could not recognize him as his, but took an active part in his fate. When the boy was 8 years old, his father gave him freedom. He bought a large four-story house for his son and his mother.
Avdotya Antonovna got married, gave birth to two more children. She did not hide from Alexander that he was his mother, but asked to call her "aunt." Thus, the woman wanted to avoid unnecessary gossip and gossip.
9. Studied at home with the best educators
The boy grew up in good conditions. He was provided with everything necessary, but because of his origin, he could not get an education in a gymnasium. His mother invited the best teachers, Sasha studied at home. He excelled in learning languages. He had a special love for music, played three musical instruments.
8. Grew up a multilaterally developed child
Already in childhood, Borodin's unique abilities appeared. At 9, he wrote his first musical work, and at 10 he became interested in chemistry. The boy was very talented, showed extraordinary abilities.
Soon Avdotya Antonovna realized that home education was not enough. She decided to go for a trick. The boy was illegally recorded as a merchant of the third guild. He got the opportunity to study at the gymnasium. In the future, he decided to continue his studies. The choice fell on the Medical and Surgical Academy (St. Petersburg).
7. Preferred chemistry
It has already been noted above that in childhood Alexander showed great interest in chemistry. After entering the academy, she completely became his favorite subject.
In 1853, he was noticed by Russian organic chemist Nikolai Zinin, he had a great influence on the career of Alexander Porfirevich. Nikolai was a caring mentor, he devoted a lot of time to classes and hoped that in the future Borodin would become his deputy. Alexander, in turn, was a diligent student, but still had a passion for music. Zinin did not like this very much; he wanted Borodin to devote himself entirely to science.
When he graduated from the academy, he got a job as a doctor in a hospital, and also became an assistant to Zinin. In 1858 he successfully defended his dissertation in chemistry and medicine.
6. Acquaintance with Protopopova returned the love of music
It seemed that Borodin had forgotten about music. His career in science was successful. One day he went on a business trip abroad.
In Heidelberg, he met with Ekaterina Sergeevna Protopopova. The girl came to Germany for treatment. She had sick lungs. Ekaterina Sergeevna studied music, was a talented pianist. She really loved the works of Chopin and Schumann. Guests often came to her, the girl played with pleasure for them.
Borodin, inspired by the feelings and music of Protopopova, remembered his passion. During this period, he composed several pieces of music.
Subsequently, Ekaterina Sergeevna became his wife. She had a complex character, but Borodin was very fond of his wife. He looked after her during an illness, performed the functions of a doctor and a nurse.
5. Entered the "Mighty Handful"
So called the creative union of Russian composers. Official name "New Russian music school". In addition to Borodin, the number of participants included M.P. Mussorgsky, N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov and others (the main composition of 5 people). There were also participants who were in the “bunch” for a short time.
This organization considered the promotion of Russian music to be its primary goal. The main principles of their work were nationality and nationality. They processed folk songs, were interested in folklore of other countries, especially eastern ones. The creative activities of the “Kuchkists” are an important stage in the development of Russian music.
4. For about 20 years he worked on the opera Prince Igor
The main musical work of the composer is called the opera Prince Igor. Alexander Porfirievich took 19 years to work on this project.. It is based on the famous "Word of Igor's Regiment". He wrote the libretto (text of a vocal piece) in collaboration with music critic V.V. Stasov.
Borodin got excited about the idea of creating an opera in 1869, a year later he abandoned this venture, explaining that he could not combine such a grandiose project with scientific activity. After 4 years, he returned to this work. Over the next 14 years, he continued his work, but did not have time to finish.
The premiere of the opera Prince Igor took place in 1890, the opera was completed by composers Rimsky-Korsakov and Glazunov.
3. Composed 3 symphonies, 16 romances, etc.
Borodin was a talented composer, but the number of his works is small. 3 symphonies, 16 romances, two operas, trios, quartets ... There were reasons for this.
First: Alexander Porfiryevich made too high demands on himself. He spent a lot of time to achieve the perfect result.
The second reason was congestion: academic service, household chores. Sometimes the composer did not have a single free minute. Perhaps if he chose one sphere, he would have achieved much greater success in it.
2. Created Women's Medical Courses
Borodin actively participated in social activities. He made every effort so that women also got the opportunity to study and get higher education.
Alexander Porfirevich founded the Higher Women's Medical Courseswhere he taught chemistry for 13 years. They were opened in 1872 at the Medical and Surgical Academy. These were the first courses for studying medicine not only in Russia, but also in Europe.
1. Died in the company of medical friends from heart attack
The death of Alexander Porfiryevich was quick. In recent years, he suffered from pain in his heart. That evening, everything was as usual. Borodin, along with his friends, was resting in the "academic apartment." They organized a costume party in honor of Shrovetide.
He talked with M.V. Dobroslavina, and then suddenly lost consciousness. The medical friends tried to bring him to his senses, but all attempts had no result.
Borodin died of a heart attack, he was then 53 years old. Alexander Porfiryevich was buried in the Tikhvin cemetery.