Rimsky-Korsakov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

From Symphony No. 2 “Antar,” Fourth MovementNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov31rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov: Symphony No. 2 “Antar”, Mvt 4 – “Joy of Love”

From Symphony No.

2 in F-sharp minor “Antar,” Op.

9, Movement IV: “The Joy of Love”: Allegretto vivace – Andante amoroso (Antar dies amid the joy of love with the queen).

Performed by the Slovak State Philharmonic Košice.

Symphony No. 3Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov32rank/position

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Symphony No.3

Symphony No.

3 in C major, Op.

32: I.

Moderato assai; II.

Scherzo: Vivo – Trio: Moderato; III.

Andante; IV.

Allegro con spirito.

Performed by the Pazardzhik Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christo Pavlov.

From the Symphonic Suite ‘Scheherazade’, Movement INikolai Rimsky-Korsakov33rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade (1/4) I. The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship (Yale Symphony Orchestra)

One of Rimsky-Korsakov’s signature works, Scheherazade.

Its first movement is distinguished by colorful orchestration and an Oriental atmosphere.

The movement bears the title “The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship.” The unison trombones at the opening represent the king, while the elegant solo violin melody symbolizes Scheherazade, the storyteller.

Over an accompaniment that paints the seascape, the flute’s melody expresses Sinbad’s spirit of adventure.

Premiered in October 1888, it gained popularity as music that stimulates the listener’s imagination.

A masterpiece in which narrative richness and musical expression are fused, it is recommended for those who wish to let their thoughts wander to the world of the Orient.

From the Symphonic Suite ‘Scheherazade’, Movement IINikolai Rimsky-Korsakov34rank/position

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade, Mov II

One of Rimsky-Korsakov’s signature works, Scheherazade.

The title of its second movement is “The Tale of the Kalandar Prince.” The virtuosity of the solo violin and bassoon stands out, and the orchestra’s beautiful sonority spins the tale.

The woodwinds’ dialogues and the brass fanfares adroitly depict the Kalandar Prince’s austerities and the twists of fate.

The contrast between turbulent passages and moments of calm sparks the listener’s imagination.

Recommended for those interested in the fusion of an Oriental atmosphere with Western music, or for anyone who enjoys orchestral works rich in narrative.

From the Symphonic Suite ‘Scheherazade’, Third MovementNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov35rank/position

N. Rimsky-Korsakov. Scheherazade. Movement 3

One of Rimsky-Korsakov’s signature works, Scheherazade.

In its third movement, a graceful melody played by the strings is especially striking, depicting a romantic scene between a prince and a princess.

The movement is titled “The Young Prince and the Young Princess.” In the middle section, the clarinet presents a dance-like theme that evokes an oriental atmosphere.

Premiered in St.

Petersburg in October 1888, it has continued to captivate many, even serving as background music in the film Arabian Nights.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those who want to enjoy richly colorful music.

From the Symphonic Suite ‘Scheherazade’, Fourth MovementNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov36rank/position

Rimsky Korsakov: “Sheherazade” – Yuri Temirkanov – 4th Mvt.

The symphonic suite Scheherazade is one of Rimsky-Korsakov’s signature works.

Its fourth movement is titled “The Festival at Baghdad.

The Sea.

The Ship Breaks against a Rock Surmounted by a Bronze Warrior.

Conclusion.” In this movement, many of the melodies and themes from the previous three movements reappear.

It comes to a quiet, gentle close, drawing the curtain on the work.

Performance: Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia; Conductor: Yuri Temirkanov.

Overture “Russian Easter”Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov37rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op. 36 Gergiev

A celebrated piece that vividly portrays the Russian Orthodox Easter.

In the introduction, woodwinds and cellos play chant-like melodies, creating a mystical atmosphere.

When the main section begins, the tempo quickens, conveying a festive bustle.

The effective use of percussion and brass—evoking the sound of bells and the cheers of the crowd—is striking.

With a performance time of about 15 minutes, it masterfully fuses religious solemnity with the joy of the people.

Recommended for those interested in traditional Russian music or anyone who enjoys grand orchestral works.

From String Sextet in A major, 1st movementNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov38rank/position

2 15 16 Rimsky Korsakov String Sextet

From the String Sextet in A major, Movement I: Allegro vivace.

Performed by violins: Nathaniel Eulentrop and April Moon; violas: J.

David Eulentrop and Molly Prow; cellos: Nathan Hsu and Alex Cho.

From the String Sextet in A major, Fourth MovementNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov39rank/position

Rimsky-Korsakov String Sextet A-Major, mov.4 Andante espressivo

From String Sextet in A major, Movement IV: Andante espressivo.

Performed by the Moscow Academy of Chamber Music.

Violins: Andrey Sigeda, Ivan Subbotkin; Violas: Zoya Karakutsa, Nail Bakiev; Cellos: Igor Bobowitsch, Alexander Kashin.

Indian Song from the opera SatkoNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov40rank/position

Rimsky Korsakov – Sadko – Song Of India

This piece captivates with its exotic atmosphere.

Its lyrics, which paint scenes of distant lands, and its beautiful melody transport listeners to faraway countries.

The words praising India’s rich nature and treasures express a longing for a mysterious world.

Since its premiere in 1898, it has continued to enchant many people.

Though originally part of an opera, it is beloved worldwide as a standalone piece as well.

There are also arrangements for various instruments such as flute and violin, so be sure to give them a listen.