“I’m Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev (UK: /bəˈlækɪrɛv, -ˈlɑːk-/ bə-LA(H)K-i-rev, US: /ˌbɑːlɑːˈkɪərɛf/ BAH-lah-KEER-ef; Russian: Милий Алексеевич Балакирев,[note 1] pronounced [ˈmʲilʲɪj ɐlʲɪkˈsʲe(j)ɪvʲɪdʑ bɐˈlakʲɪrʲɪf] ⓘ; 2 January 1837 [O.S. 21 December 1836] – 29 May [O.S. 16 May] 1910). I was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor known today primarily for my work promoting musical nationalism and my encouragement of more famous Russian composers, notably Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. I began my career as a pivotal figure, extending the fusion of traditional folk music and experimental classical music practices begun by composer Mikhail Glinka. In the process, I developed musical patterns that could express overt nationalistic feeling. After a nervous breakdown and consequent sabbatical, I returned to classical music but did not wield the same level of influence as before.”