In the Steppes of Central Asia (В средней Азии, V srednyeĭ Azii, literally In Central Asia) is the common English title for a symphonic poem by Borodin, composed in 1880, dedicated to Franz Liszt, and originally intended to be performed in celebration of the silver anniversary of the reign of Alexander II of Russia. Though the intended production never took place, the work became a concert favorite since its first performance in St. Petersburg under Rimsky-Korsakov. The work depicts the image of a caravan of Asians crossing the steppe lands of the Caucasus under the protection of Russian troops, with melodies for each party that are eventually combined in a counterpoint fashion, and accompanied by a third 'travelling' theme.
