This brilliant song is the most popular work of the Russian composer Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Alyabyev (1787 - 1851), one of the most successful opera and vocal composers in Russian music before Glinka. He changed the style of Russian opera from Italianate to a more Russian and nationalistic approach.

The words of the song are by the Russian poet Anton Delvig. The years 1822 to 1825 saw the heights of Alyabyev's success, with the production of a popular comic opera (Moonlit Night, or the House Spirits) and two musicals (or vaudevilles). His successful run came to an end following an argument over a card game with a guest in his house; the argument came to blows, resulting in the other man's death.

Although there was inconclusive evidence as to whether the fatal blow might have been justified by self-defense, Alyabyev was nevertheless exiled to Tobolsk, Siberia (which was his hometown). The real reason might have been his involvement in the so-called Decembrist plot designed to force the new Tsar, Nicholas I, to grant constitutional rule. Delvig was also jailed at this time. After being permitted to return to Moscow, Alyabyev resumed a successful career as a composer, with several successful operas, though they have become entirely eclipsed by changes in style.

"Nightingale" is in a bright bel canto style and became popular with coloratura sopranos. Several major singers in the nineteenth century (and later), including Adelina Patti and Pauline Viardot, selected the piece for the singing lesson scene of Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia. In addition, the great piano composer Franz Liszt based one of his numerous piano transcriptions on "The Nightingale." This and similar forms of recognition have made "The Nightingale" one of the few works by Alyabyev that are still frequently performed.

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