The Hussars

The Hussar were the skilled, daring and flamboyant light cavalrymen first drawn for Hapsburg service, from what is now northern Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and Hungary in the late 17th century. Before long, major European nations adopted Hussar formations, uniform and equipment. This title covers a dynamic and glamorous period, during which the Hussars were increasingly regulated within the Hapsburg army, and developments took place in clothing, weaponry and equipment, notably the introduction of short carbines and rifles.

A mournful, melancholic influence became characteristic of the Russian piano trio Alexander Alyabyev had displayed considerable musical talent as a young man. While still a serving officer in the Hussars, he began composing chamber music, writing string quartets, piano trios and many other chamber works, and soon turned his hand to music for orchestra (symphonies, overtures) and vocal works (operas, sacred and secular choral works and some 150 songs).