Rimsky-Korsakov. Nikolai

Born: March 18, 1844, in Tikhvin, Russia.
Died: June 21, 1908, in Lyubensk, near St. Petersburg, Russia.

A highly influential Russian composer, teacher, and member of the “Mighty Handful” (also known as “The Five”), a group dedicated to creating a distinctively Russian style of classical music. He is particularly renowned for his mastery of orchestration, his operas based on Russian folklore, and for composing some of the most colorful and exotic music of the late Romantic period.

Though Rimsky-Korsakov initially pursued a naval career, he was deeply passionate about music and later devoted himself fully to it. As a self-taught composer, he was guided and mentored by Mily Balakirev, one of the leaders of the “Mighty Handful”.

His early music was influenced by nationalistic themes, Russian folk songs, and orientalism, often using vivid imagery and storytelling in his compositions.

Rimsky-Korsakov is most famous for his **orchestral works** and **operas**, many of which reflect Russian history, folklore, and mythology.

His Orchestral Works include

• Scheherazade” (1888)**: One of his most famous compositions, this symphonic suite is based on “One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “Arabian Nights”). The piece is known for its lush orchestration, evocative themes, and the way it captures the exotic and magical tales of the East.
• “Capriccio Espagnol” (1887)**: A lively, Spanish-influenced orchestral work that highlights Rimsky-Korsakov’s extraordinary skill in orchestration. It is vibrant and filled with color and rhythmic energy.
• “Russian Easter Festival Overture” (1888)**: This work combines Russian Orthodox liturgical music with folk tunes, celebrating the Easter festival. It is rich in atmosphere and symbolism.

Rimsky-Korsakov composed 15 operas, many of which are based on Russian folk tales, history, and legends. Some of hi more well known ones are

• “The Snow Maiden” (Snegurochka, 1881): Based on a Russian fairy tale about a young girl made of snow who longs to experience love.
• “Sadko” (1896): This opera tells the story of a legendary minstrel from Novgorod who goes on fantastical adventures, including an underwater kingdom.
• “The Tsar’s Bride” (1899): A historical opera set in the time of Ivan the Terrible.
• “The Golden Cockerel” (1909): This satirical opera is based on a fairy tale by Alexander Pushkin and explores themes of despotism and political folly.

Rimsky-Korsakov was also a dedicated professor of composition and orchestration at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he influenced a whole generation of Russian composers. His students included Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, and Alexander Glazunov, among others. He wrote an important textbook on orchestration, titled “Principles of Orchestration”, which remains a fundamental reference work in music education.

Rimsky-Korsakov was celebrated for his orchestration, which created rich, colorful soundscapes. His music often incorporated Russian folk melodies, oriental exoticism, and vivid, picturesque storytelling. He frequently used whole-tone scales, chromaticism, and other techniques that made his music stand out in terms of texture and color.

He was a central figure in shaping Russian classical music, not only as a composer but also as a teacher who influenced the next generation of Russian composers. His focus on creating a unique Russian sound—through his operas, orchestral works, and use of folk traditions—helped solidify his place as a towering figure in Russian music history. His music, especially pieces like “Scheherazade” and “Capriccio Espagnol,” remains widely performed and beloved for its vivid orchestral imagination and storytelling.