Rimsky-Korsakov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

ScheherazadeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov8rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov: Symphonic Suite “Scheherazade” — Stokowski

A mysterious masterpiece based on One Thousand and One Nights.

Packed with the allure of the orchestra, it features powerful melodies and beautifully moving themes played by the violins.

Another distinctive aspect is that each movement is given a story-like title, such as “The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship.”

Four Romances, Op. 2Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov9rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov: 4 Romances, Op. 2

Four Romances, Op.

2.

No.

1: With My Cheek Pressed to Yours; No.

2: The Nightingale Enchanted by the Rose; No.

3: Lullaby; No.

4: From My Tears.

Performed by soprano Sadie Fraser, with Richard Baldry on piano.

At Rathkeen Hall.

Four Songs, Op. 42Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov10rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov: Four Songs Op. 40 | Phillip Addis, Nicolas Namoradze (Live from Honens)

A set of songs based on Fet’s poetry, known for delicate emotional nuance and natural imagery.

Rimsky-Korsakov answers these verses—with their whispered thoughts of a beloved in moments of silence and their joy and anticipation of reunion—with refined melodies and harmonies.

Some songs paint the dawn with gentle piano accompaniment and tranquil lines, while others feature lively rhythms and bright melodies, richly portraying nature, love, and human feeling.

If you’d like to savor a unique sound world that fuses the traditions of Russian music with elements of Western Romanticism, be sure to give it a listen.

the Flight of the Bumble-BeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov11rank/position

Alberto Lodoletti plays the Flight of the Bumble-Bee by Rimsky-Korsakov piano version by Rachmaninov

Although it’s a classical piece, it remains very popular.

Its brilliant rapid passages are beautiful no matter how many times you listen and embody the true essence of piano music.

The expressiveness is also outstanding—bustling as if bees are darting about from every direction, leaving a strong impression of vitality.

Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov12rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee, Ormandy & Philadelphia Orchestra (1965) Rimsky-Korsakov Kumobachi no Hikō Ormandy

Known as a masterpiece of classical music, this piece is characterized by its fast tempo and continuous chromatic scales that make it sound as if real bees are buzzing around.

Originally composed as part of an opera, it has since been arranged for various instruments and ensembles and has been loved by many.

It was also adopted as the theme for the 1940s radio program The Green Hornet and has been performed across genres, including jazz and rock.

Playing it during intense competitions like cavalry battles will heighten the participants’ excitement and fire up the audience with its powerful music.

It’s highly recommended when you want to instantly boost the atmosphere of a sports day.

Concertstück in E-flat major for Clarinet and Wind EnsembleNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov13rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov Clarinet Concerto, Klarinettenkonzert

Concert Piece in E-flat major for Clarinet and Wind Band.

Soloist: Marco Gorke; Wind Band: Mannheim Symphonic Wind Band; Conductor: Tobias Mahl.

At the Trifolion Echternach Cultural Center, Luxembourg.

Oboe Variations on the Theme from Glinka’s Song “What a Lovely Maiden”Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov14rank/position

Lyadov: Variations on a Theme by Glinka

Oboe Variations on the theme of Glinka’s song “What a Lovely Maiden.” Soloist: Jan Bertelsen; wind ensemble: Drammen Concert Orchestra of Buskerud, Norway.

Conductor: Rune Bergmann.

From the 20th anniversary concert at the Drammen Theatre.