Mily Balakirev, in full Mily Alekseyevich Balakirev, (born December 21, 1836 [January 2, 1837, New Style], Nizhny Novgorod, Russia—died May 16 [May 29], 1910, St. Petersburg), Russian composer of orchestral music, piano music, and songs. He was a dynamic leader of the Russian nationalist group of composers of his era. Balakirev received his early musical education from his mother. He also studied with Alexander Dubuque and with Karl Eisrich, music director to A. Read more on Last.fm