The Poisoned Referral

During the late nineteenth century, nationalism became a force in music, and a leader in the cause of Russian music was composer Mily Balakirev. He was one of the five nationalistic composers known as The Mighty Handful. He thought that fellow Russian composer Anton Rubinstein had turned his back on Russian music in favor of German influences. He said that Rubinstein’s music was mere accompaniment, building toward a resolution but never providing it, and without melody. When a patron approached Balakirev with an offer, the Russian nationalist turned it into a joke at Rubinstein’s expense.

Balakirev’s servant Adrian brought him the calling card of a famous member of a Guards’ regiment. Balakirev was perplexed.

“This isn’t for me,” he told Adrian, “Tell him the midwife lives on the next floor up.” But the officer was insistent and so Balakirev agreed to see him. The dapper guardsman came in carrying an expensive green leather portfolio. An important friend had sent him to Balakirev for advice. He apologized for disturbing the composer.

Balakirev was still puzzled. “I’m quite incompetent in military matters,” he said.

“It’s purely a musical matter,” the guardsman assured him. “You see, I’ve written an opera.”

Balakirev became wary. “An opera? Then you must have studied. But where?”

“Oh, yes,” the officer said. “I’ve done a lot of studying abroad.”

“Well, that’s interesting,” Balakirev conceded, “but I still can’t help you. I have very little influence in theatrical circles.”

The guardsman cut him off. “This isn’t about staging. I’ve come to ask your advice as to whom I could commission to write an accompaniment for my opera.”

Balakirev looked his visitor in the eye and, with a straight face, suggested, “I think you should ask Rubinstein and nobody else. That’s his specialty.”

Mily Balakirev’s student A.A. Olenin tells the story in his memoir My Recollections of Balakirev.