Balakirev [Balákeeriff], Mily Alekseyevich (12–21–1836/1–2–1837, Nizhniy Novgorod [now Gorky]; 5–16/29–1910, P.). Cond., pianist, and comp. Balakirev, the son of an official, was descended from an impoverished noble family. He received his first musical instruction from his mother, displaying exceptional musical talent from an early age. In 1847 he was taken by his mother to M. to meet Dyubyuk (Dubuque), with whom he took a few lessons. On the death of his mother he was sent as a boarder to the…