Born into an aristocratic family, he received a high-quality musical education. He served in the military during the Napoleonic Wars, but also published works during this period. In 1825, he was arrested on suspicion of murder and sentenced to exile in Siberia. This incident was a dispute among aristocrats with radical political leanings (the so-called Decembrists), and it is highly probable that his sentence was largely politically motivated. He later received a pardon but was forbidden from entering Moscow, traveling to various regions during this time. In the Caucasus, he transcribed folk songs, which influenced his later compositional style. This can be considered a pioneering example of the nationalist school. From 1838, he was able to resume activities in Moscow, albeit under police surveillance. He left works in genres such as opera, chamber music, and lieder. His song "The Nightingale" (Solovey) is currently his most frequently performed work.Glinka Variations by Glinka on this song are well-known.