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 (41–50)
From Symphony No. 2 “Antar,” Fourth MovementNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
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.
from the opera The Golden CockerelNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
The opera The Golden Cockerel is the last opera composed by Rimsky-Korsakov.
It was arranged for solo violin by Efrem Zimbalist.
The soloist is Anna Savkina, with the Tchaikovsky State Academic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Fedoseyev.
Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
As the Japanese title “Flight of the Bumblebee” suggests, this piece is memorable for its gently buzzing, gliding rhythm.
It was composed around 1890 by the Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov and is used in Act III of the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan, based on Pushkin’s original work.
With its unique design modeled on the hum of a bumblebee’s wings, the piece—contrary to what the title might imply—feels cute and approachable, with a pleasant melody.
It fits scenes where children at a kindergarten or nursery are freely romping about, so it’s a great recommendation for those moments at a school sports day.
From Four Songs, Op. 42: No. 3; from Two Songs, Op. 56: No. 2Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
From Four Songs, Op.
42, No.
3: The drifting clouds grow thin (Redeyet oblakov letuchaya gryada), and from Two Songs, Op.
56, No.
2: A Dream on a Summer Night (Son v letnyuyu noch).
Performed by soprano Anna Netrebko, with Daniel Barenboim on piano.
From the Quintet for Piano and Winds, Movement IIINikolai 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.
Procession of the Nobles, from the opera MladaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
From the opera Mlada, Act II, Scene 3: Procession of the Nobles.
This opera is based on an old tale from the Baltic region.
Performed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble, conducted by Jeffrey Fuchs.
From the opera “The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh and the Maiden Fevroniya”Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Fevroniya’s aria from the opera “The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh and the Maiden Fevroniya.” Soprano: Ekaterina Dadikina; piano: Olga Volkova.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some of Rimsky-Korsakov’s famous and signature works.
In each piece you can sense Russia’s landscape, history, and national character, while also hearing his unique sonority.
If you listen to works by the other members of “The Five,” you may gain new perspectives on Korsakov’s music as well.
Alongside his music, be sure to explore a variety of other classical pieces too!