# César Cui

> Russian composer and army officer

**Wikidata**: [Q208546](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208546)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/César_Cui)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cesar-cui

## Summary
César Cui was a Russian composer and military officer of French descent, renowned as a member of The Five, a group of 19th-century Russian composers who championed national musical identity. He balanced dual careers in music and the military, achieving distinction in both fields.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 18, 1835 (or January 6, 1835, per Julian calendar), Paris, France
- **Nationality**: Russian Empire
- **Education**: Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy
- **Known for**: Contributions to Russian classical music as a composer and music critic; membership in The Five
- **Employer(s)**: Imperial Russian Army
- **Field(s)**: Music composition, military engineering

## Contributions
- **Operas**: Composed notable operas such as *The Mandarin's Son* (1859), *Prisoner of the Caucasus* (1874), and *Feast in Time of Plague*.
- **Military Career**: Served as a military engineer and rose to the rank of General of the Infantry in the Imperial Russian Army.
- **Music Criticism**: Authored critical works and reviews that influenced Russian musical discourse.
- **The Five**: Played a key role in promoting Russian musical nationalism through collaboration with fellow composers in The Five.

## FAQs
**What were César Cui's dual professions?**  
Cui was both a composer and a military officer, serving in the Imperial Russian Army while actively composing music.

**What notable musical group was Cui part of?**  
He was a member of The Five, a circle of Russian composers dedicated to fostering a distinctly national musical style.

**What are some of Cui's most famous compositions?**  
His notable works include the operas *The Mandarin's Son*, *Prisoner of the Caucasus*, and *Feast in Time of Plague*, among others.

**What military honors did Cui receive?**  
He was awarded several honors, including the Order of St. Vladimir and the Order of the White Eagle.

## Why They Matter
César Cui significantly shaped Russian classical music by advocating for national themes and collaborating within The Five. His dual career in music and the military exemplified the intersection of artistic and civic dedication in 19th-century Russia. Without his contributions, the development of Russian musical nationalism and the repertoire of operatic works would be notably diminished.

## Notable For
- Member of The Five, a pivotal group in Russian musical history.
- Achieved high military rank (General of the Infantry) alongside musical distinction.
- Composed influential operas that reflected Russian themes and narratives.
- Recipient of prestigious imperial honors, including the Order of St. Vladimir and the Order of the White Eagle.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
César Cui was born on January 18, 1835, in Paris, France, to a French father and Russian mother. His family relocated to Saint Petersburg, where he pursued education at the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy, laying the groundwork for his military career.

### Military Career
Cui's military service spanned decades, during which he specialized in engineering. He attained the rank of General of the Infantry, balancing military duties with his passion for music. His military accolades included the Order of St. Vladimir and the Order of the White Eagle.

### Musical Career and The Five
As a composer, Cui was a key figure in The Five, a group advocating for Russian musical nationalism. His operas, such as *The Mandarin's Son* (1859) and *Prisoner of the Caucasus* (1874), incorporated Russian themes and narratives, contributing to the evolution of a national musical identity. Cui also authored music critiques, further solidifying his influence in Russian cultural circles.

### Legacy
Cui's legacy endures through his operatic works and his role in shaping Russian classical music. His dual achievements in military service and artistic composition reflect the multifaceted contributions of individuals in 19th-century Russian society. The intersection of his careers underscores the era's blend of civic duty and cultural innovation.

## References

1. Cui, Cesar
2. Source
3. Archivio Storico Ricordi
4. Integrated Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. datos.bne.es
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. MusicBrainz
9. CiNii Research
10. SNAC
11. Find a Grave
12. International Music Score Library Project
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Musicalics
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb13892872c)
19. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
20. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/nl023tk60rw2hcl)