A Life for the Tsar
Around Christmas 1855, Glinka was visited by Alexander Ulybyshev, a rich Russian amateur critic, and his 18-year-old protégé Mily Balakirev, who was reportedly on his way to becoming a great pianist. Balakirev played his fantasy based on themes from "A Life for the Tsar" for Glinka. Glinka, pleasantly surprised, praised Balakirev as a musician with a bright future.