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Alexander Borodin was a Russian composer and chemist born on November 12, 1833, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He was the illegitimate son of a Georgian prince and a Russian noblewoman. Borodin was raised by his mother and stepfather, who was a physician. He showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of five. However, his stepfather encouraged him to pursue a career in science, and he eventually became a professor of chemistry at the Imperial Medical-Surgical Academy in Saint Petersburg. Despite his scientific career, Borodin continued to compose music throughout his life. He was a member of the group of Russian composers known as "The Five," which also included Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Cesar Cui, and Mily Balakirev. The group was dedicated to creating a distinctively Russian style of classical music that was free from the influence of Western European music. Borodin's most famous work is his opera "Prince Igor," which he began composing in 1869 and completed in 1887, shortly before his death. The opera tells the story of a Russian prince who goes to war against the Polovtsian people of the steppes. The opera is known for its lush orchestration and memorable melodies, including the famous "Polovtsian Dances." In addition to his opera, Borodin composed several other works, including two string quartets, a symphony, and several pieces for piano. He died on February 27, 1887, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, at the age of 53. Cesar Cui was a Russian composer born on January 18, 1835, in Vilnius, Lithuania. He was the son of a French officer and a Lithuanian mother. Cui began studying music at an early age and eventually became a professor of military engineering at the Imperial Military Academy in Saint Petersburg. Cui was also a member of "The Five" group of Russian composers. However, his music was often criticized by his fellow composers for being too conservative and lacking in originality. Despite this, Cui continued to compose throughout his life and produced a large body of work, including several operas, symphonies, and chamber music. One of Cui's most famous works is his opera "William Ratcliff," which he composed in 1869. The opera tells the story of a Scottish nobleman who seeks revenge against his enemies. The opera is known for its dramatic music and powerful vocal performances. In addition to his music career, Cui was also a prolific writer and critic. He wrote several books on music and art and was a regular contributor to the Russian press. He died on March 13, 1918, in Petrograd, Russia, at the age of 83. Anatoly Lyadov was a Russian composer born on May 11, 1855, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He was the son of a conductor and began studying music at an early age. He eventually became a professor of composition at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. Lyadov was known for his delicate and atmospheric music, which often featured intricate orchestration and subtle harmonies. He was also a member of "The Five" group of Russian composers, although he was less involved in the group's activities than some of his colleagues. One of Lyadov's most famous works is his orchestral piece "The Enchanted Lake," which he composed in 1909. The piece is known for its shimmering textures and evocative melodies, which create a dreamlike atmosphere.

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