According to The New Penguin Dictionary of Music, Alexander [Porphyrevich] Borodin was a Russian composer - also professor of chemistry, so could spare little time for music. Illegitimate son of a prince; pupil of Balakirev; one of the "nationalist" group of composers known as the "Mighty Handful". Works include an opera, 3 symphonies, symphonic poem, string quartets and songs.