Rimsky-Korsakov’s Masterpieces | The Vividly Colorful World of Russian Music
Rimsky-Korsakov, a composer who made major contributions to the development of Russian music as one of the “Mighty Handful.” He is said to have had synesthesia, perceiving colors in musical keys, and left behind many orchestral works rich in color as well as operas imbued with strong national character.
Born into a family of military nobility, he became captivated by the world of music, composing on land while serving as a naval officer.
His works, infused with such passion for music, have been passed down to later generations, and he also taught and nurtured many composers with the compositional techniques he mastered himself.
In this article, be sure to check out the works that showcase his creativity and innovation!
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Rimsky-Korsakov’s Masterpieces | The Vividly Colored World of Russian Music (31–40)
ScheherazadeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
This is Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov.
It is a symphonic suite composed in the summer of 1888, themed around Scheherazade, the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights.
In the finale of this piece, the trumpeter’s technique is put to the test.
In Japan, it is often written as “Sheherazade.”
the Flight of the Bumble-BeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
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.
From Capriccio Espagnol, No. 1: AlboradaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
From Capriccio Espagnol, Op.
34: No.
1, Alborada.
Alborada is a dance from the Asturias region of Spain.
Performed by the Orquesta Sinfónica Infantil & Juvenil, conducted by Ms.
Esperanza de Velasco.
From Capriccio Espagnol, No. 2: VariationsNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
From Capriccio Espagnol, Op.
34: No.
2, Variazioni.
Performed by the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Martin Majkut, at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center in Oregon.
From Capriccio espagnol, No. 4 and No. 5Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
From Capriccio Espagnol, Op.
34: No.
4, Scena e canto gitano (Scene and Gypsy Song); No.
5, Fandango asturiano (Asturian Fandango).
Performed by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Roselin Pabón.
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Masterpieces | The Vividly Colored World of Russian Music (41–50)
From Symphony No. 1, Movement INikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
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.
From Symphony No. 2 ‘Antar’, Movement IIINikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
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.