One of the most prolific composers of Russian opera in the 19th century, Aleksandr Sergeyevich Dargomyzhsky's work was greatly influenced by his relationship with Mikhail Glinka. Dargomyzhsky then went on to have a huge influence on creation of a Russian identity in opera.
Dargomyzhsky's operas range from comedy and fantasy, through to the nationalist tradition of dramatic realism. His 1856 premiere of Rusalka greatly influenced several of the composers that would go on to form 'The Five', a Russian Nationalist group, later in the same year. Sadly, despite the lasting impact Dargomyzhsky's work had on the genre, today his operas are not widely performed outside of Russia.
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