According to
The New Penguin Dictionary of Music, Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka was a Russian composer, the first whose music won general acceptance outside Russia; show various "nationalist" traits in his works. Regarded therefore as the "father" of Russian music. Studied piano with Field; visited Italy and Germany before bringing out operas "Ivan Susanin" (1836) and "Ruslan and Ludmila"; made trips abroad later, dying in Berlin. Also composed "Jota aragonesa" and other works in imitation-Spanish style; chamber music for strings and for wind; many piano pieces and songs.