Rimskij-Korsakov

The Profile

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908) was a Russian composer of the late Romantic period, known for orchestral colour, opera, masterful orchestration and his role as a teacher and member of the Russian nationalist group "The Five."

Born 1844, died 1908. Professor at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory; member of The Five; renowned for orchestration and for works such as Scheherazade and Capriccio Espagnol.

A personal, admiring take on Sheherazade that links the music to The Thousand and One Nights. The reviewer recommends the Gergiev recording with the Kirov Orchestra (and a Vienna Phil. version on YouTube). Praise for Rimsky-Korsakov's balance of color and elegant themes.