Nationalism in music began to emerge in Russia in the 19th century. Russia's national musical style emphasized Russian folk songs and tunes. Nationalism was present in other regions such as Bohemia, Scandinavia, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Portugal and also in North America. It was a rebellion against the Italian, French and German musical traditions which were the dominant forces in music. There was a composer in Russia, Verstovsky, with his imitation of Italian and French music, who was a precursor but the true founder of Russian national music. was Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka (1804-1857). He composed two operas, “A Life for the Tsar” (1836) and “Russlan and Ludmilla” (1842). “Both operas have the quality of a folk song and are at the same time modern” (Alfred Einstein, 1947, p.305). His operas showed his nationalism and they both contained very pro-Russian stories. They also had the Russian characteristics which were simple folk idioms in melody and rhythm. His first opera “A Life for the Tsar” became a popular opera presented at the opening of each opera season. His second opera “Russlan and Ludmilla” was not really noticed. It is said that he was too far ahead of his time in terms of music. In his second opera he used whole tone scales, which was a new harmonic idea. He also composes overtures and songs. He observed what was happening in Europe in terms of music but he did not imitate it. He did not want to lose national identity. A man called Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomijsky (1813-1869) played a big role in the history of Russian music. He was the main man standing between Glinka and the next generation. He met Glinka in 1833 and received some notes from Glinka...... middle of paper...... and melodies. He is particularly known for his vivid depiction of Russian life through his works. Borodin wrote songs, string quartets and symphonies. His most famous work is the opera "Prince Igor", which remained unfinished when he died in 1887. This opera was completed by Alexander Glazunov and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Cui may be the least known member, but he was also one of the staunchest supporters of Russian nationalist music. He was a music critic and professor of fortifications at a military academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. Cui is particularly known for his songs and piano pieces.Works CitedAlfred Einstein (1947). Music in the Romantic Age: A History of Musical Thought in the 19th Century. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. Leon Plantinga (1984). Romantic Music: A History of Musical Style in 19th-Century Europe. New York: WW Norton & Company.