Rimsky-Korsakov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Ballet music ‘The Golden Cockerel’Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov21rank/position

Rimskij-Korsakow: Der goldene Hahn – Suite ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Alain Altinoglu

An opera based on a Russian folk tale, it is characterized by fantastical music and a satirical story.

Centered on a foolish king and the prophecy of a golden cockerel, it portrays the incompetence of power and the folly of humankind.

Its colorful orchestration and Oriental-tinged melodies are striking, with the depiction of the golden cockerel’s cry being particularly superb.

The work contains criticism of Russian politics and society, conveying profound lessons and warnings.

It premiered in Moscow in October 1909, but was performed after the composer’s death.

With themes that resonate in contemporary society, this masterpiece can be enjoyed for both its music and its narrative.

From the Quintet for Piano and Winds, Movement INikolai Rimsky-Korsakov22rank/position

Nikolay Rimsky – Korsakov Piano Quintet in B flat Major Opus Posthumous (1876)

From the Quintet in B-flat major for Piano and Winds, Movement I: Allegro con brio.

Performed by Piano: Shkëlqen Baftiari, Flute: Lejla Beqiri, Clarinet: Pëllumb Vula, Horn: Bledar Bujupi, Bassoon: Meritón Ferizi.

From the Quintet for Piano and Winds, Movement IINikolai Rimsky-Korsakov23rank/position

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Quintet in B-flat Major, II. Andante – Rimsky-Korsakov, Quintet in B-flat major, Second Movement

From the Quintet in B-flat major for Piano and Winds, Movement II: Andante.

Performed by the chamber group “After Hours Session.” Flute: Keiko Ueda; Clarinet: Hiroki Matsubara; Bassoon: Gen Shuto; Horn: Sosuke Seko; Piano: Kyoko Ukon.

From the Quintet for Piano and Winds, Movement IIINikolai Rimsky-Korsakov24rank/position

Blaasensemble Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest en Jeroen Bal spelen Rimsky-Korsakov

From the Quintet in B-flat major for Piano and Winds, Movement III: Rondo – Allegretto.

Performed by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Wind Ensemble, based in Amsterdam, with pianist Jeroen Bal, recorded at the former Blasius Church in Delden, the Netherlands.

Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, Op. 30Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov25rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov-Piano Concerto in C-sharp Minor

Composed between 1882 and 1883, the work was premiered the following year, in 1884, at a concert of the Free Music School in Saint Petersburg.

Although it consists of three movements, it is performed without interruption via attacca.

The piece is built from two recurring melodies: the opening theme and a Russian folk-song theme recommended by Mily Balakirev, a fellow member of the Mighty Handful.

Movement I: Moderato – Allegretto quasi polacca; Movement II: Andante mosso; Movement III: Allegro.

The performance features Daniya Kaybrina with the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Etibar Akhmedov.

Fantasy on Two Russian Themes for Violin and OrchestraNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov26rank/position

Leonid Yanovskiy – Rimsky-Korsakov: Concert Fantasia on Russian Themes, Op. 33

A violin sings a melody steeped in Russian nostalgia.

The orchestra resounds in vivid colors, and its interplay with the violin makes this a captivating work.

The performance features violinist Leonid Yanovsky with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jeffrey Rink, at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.

Symphony No. 1Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov27rank/position

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – Symphony No. 1

A symphony composed by Rimsky-Korsakov when he was around 18.

Written during his naval service, the work is characterized by a powerful tone that conveys youthful passion.

It consists of four movements, beginning with an energetic opening, moving through an emotional and lyrical middle section, and concluding in a bright, dazzling finale.

By incorporating melodies from Russian folk songs, the piece communicates the composer’s deep passion for music.

It’s highly recommended for those interested in Russian music or anyone who wants to experience the brilliance of youthful talent.

Premiered in December 1865 under the baton of Mily Balakirev, it was highly praised as “the first Russian symphony.”

From Symphony No. 1, Movement INikolai Rimsky-Korsakov28rank/position

Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 1 by Rimsky-Korsakov – I. Movement

From Symphony No.

1 in E minor, Op.

1: I.

Largo assai – Allegro.

This work was originally in E-flat minor but was later transposed to E minor.

The performing ensemble, Orchestra Nadezhda, is dedicated to discovering and presenting masterworks from Russia and the Nordic countries.

The conductor is Arata Watanabe.

Symphony No. 2 ‘Antar’Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov29rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov: Antar – Symphony No. 2

A fantastical tale painted with brilliantly colorful orchestration.

Inspired by the dream of the Arab poet Antar, it unfolds a grand musical panorama across four movements.

Composed in 1868 and subsequently revised multiple times, the work dramatizes revenge, power, and the joy of love, showcasing a superb fusion of Oriental melodies and Western orchestral technique.

Highly recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves in an exotic musical world.

The 1954 recording conducted by Ernest Ansermet is highly acclaimed as a masterful performance that fully brings out the work’s allure.

From Symphony No. 2 ‘Antar’, Movement IIINikolai Rimsky-Korsakov30rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov: Antar Symphony 3rd Movement

From Symphony No.

2 in F-sharp minor, “Antar,” Op.

9: Movement III, “The Joy of Power” — Allegro risoluto, alla marcia.

Performed by the Greenville Youth Orchestra Philharmonic (South Carolina).

Conducted by Kathleen Robinson.