Music History 102: The nineteenth century was a time in which
passionate nationalism was prevalent and which saw many
political upheavals. Influenced by such "nationalistic" works as
the Hungarian Rhapsodies of Franz Liszt, composers from many
European countries became determined to develop a "national
style" of music for their homeland. To do this they turned to
the dances, folk songs, history, and national legends of their
countries as a basis for their musical compositions. Of the
countries that fostered a growth of such a movement, Russia,
Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic), Finland, Spain,
England, and the young United States of America produced several
outstanding nationalist composers. Born: Karevo, Pskov district,
March 21, 1839 Died: St. Petersburg, March 28, 1881 In Russia, a
group of composers emerged that was dubbed "The Mighty Five" by
music critics of the day because of their attempts to endow
Russia with music of a national flavor. Of these five, the most
influential were undoubtedly Nico