Definition

Proper noun A Russian composer, chemist, and doctor who lived from 1833 to 1887. He was a member of "The Five," a group of Russian composers who worked to create a distinctly national style of classical music.

Usage

• Aleksandr Borodin is primarily used to refer to the historical figure himself.
• It can also be used attributively to describe his works or style (e.g., Borodin's music, a Borodin symphony).

Examples

• As a proper noun (subject/object):
  • The opera "Prince Igor" is the most famous work by Aleksandr Borodin.
  • In music history class, we studied the life of Aleksandr Borodin.
• Used attributively:
  • The orchestra performed a Borodin symphony.
  • He has a deep appreciation for Borodin's melodic style.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Reference: The name is often cited in discussions about 19th-century Russian nationalism in music and the group known as "The Mighty Handful" or "The Five."
• Cross-disciplinary reference: Borodin is a notable example of a polymath, as he maintained a successful career as a professor of chemistry while composing music.

Variants and Related Words

• Borodin: The anglicized and more commonly used shortened form of his name in English contexts.
• Alexander Borodin: An alternative transliteration of his first name from Russian Cyrillic.

Synonyms

• Composer Borodin
• The chemist-composer (This highlights his dual career, functioning as a descriptive synonym in specific contexts).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• A Borodinesque melody: Describing a melody that is lyrical, expansive, and characteristic of his style, often with a Russian folk quality.
  • The new piece features a Borodinesque melody in its second movement.

Noun

1. Russian composer (1833-1887)