# What is the best Russian composer?

> From the enchanting melodies of celebrated classics to the daring innovations of avant-garde pioneers, this selection showcases a rich tapestry of artistry that spans eras and styles. Join the debate and decide which composer's legacy resonates with you the most!

*By YPB Team · Published March 2, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-russian-composer*

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## Current results (0 votes)

1. **Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov**
   Known for orchestral works like Scheherazade
2. **Alexander Glazunov**
   Famous for his symphonies and ballet music
3. **Dmitri Shostakovich**
   Known for his symphonies and string quartets, faced political scrutiny
4. **Sergei Prokofiev**
   Composer of Peter and the Wolf and Romeo and Juliet
5. **Modest Mussorgsky**
   Famous for Pictures at an Exhibition and Boris Godunov
6. **Reinhold Glière**
   Known for his orchestral works and ballet scores
7. **Anton Arensky**
   Known for his chamber music and symphonic compositions
8. **Alexander Borodin**
   Member of The Mighty Handful, known for Prince Igor
9. **Alexander Scriabin**
   Innovative composer known for his unique harmonic language
10. **Aram Khachaturian**
   Famous for the ballet Spartacus and Sabre Dance
11. **Mily Balakirev**
   Leader of The Mighty Handful, known for his symphonic works
12. **César Cui**
   Member of The Mighty Handful, known for operas and songs
13. **Igor Stravinsky**
   Pioneered modern music with The Rite of Spring (1913)
14. **Dmitri Kabalevsky**
   Prominent Soviet composer known for educational music
15. **Sergei Rachmaninoff**
   Famous for his piano concertos and symphonies
16. **Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky**
   Known for ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker

Tags: music, russia, classical