Rimsky-Korsakov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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.

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.