Borodin, born Nov. 12, 1833, composed symphonies and opera, but his two string quartets are what capture my untrained ears. The second is about the most romantic music I’ve ever heard — though the fourth movement doesn’t match the first three.

Russian Romantic
Alexander Borodin
Plucked at the heartstrings

Chemist, composer,
Cellist, expertly arranged
Elements of romance

2nd String Quartet
Indescribably lovely
An ache in four parts