Named in memory of the famous Russian composer Alexandr Porfirevich Borodin (1833–1887). After studies in medicine and chemistry and a brief stay in the army as a doctor, he became a professor at the Medical Academy in St. Petersburg. But he was a musician at heart. He became acquainted with Balakirev {see planet  (6777)}, to whom he owed his further musical education. Among his principal works are two symphonies, his well-known In the Steppes of Central Asia and several pieces for piano. His unfinished opera Prince Igor was completed by Glazunov and Rimskij-Korsakov {see planet  (4534)}. (M 26767) _ _.