Alexander Porfir'yevich Borodin  inarguably best known for his membership in the Russian Mighty Handful  was a chemist by profession and composed in his spare time. Despite the hint toward dilettantism that might be suggested  nothing amateurish can be traced in the small but sophisticated opus left to us. This near-complete edition comprehends his three highly original symphonies  complete chamber music  songs  piano music  and his unfinished masterpiece opera Prince Igor. Mostly Russian performers execute flawless performances with distinct national flavor.