Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I get the music sheets for the "Flight of the Bumblebee" ? (or other Rimsky's work)
  You can search the various music stores on the Web. I put a link to Sheet Music Plus direct to Rimsky-Korsakov here.
  
  
• How can I find out more about the story of "Sheherazade" ?
  There is usually some information on the CD's leaflets. You can go to my Sheherazade page to get more information.
  
  
• I want a recording of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Concerto for Trombone". How can I find it ?
  You can get the Rene Gailly recording, with 2 other concertos and a Sheherazade arranged for symphonic band by clicking here. You can also get its scores.
  
  
• I would like more information on the piece "Procession of the Nobles"
  This piece is another highly sought and loved Rimsky's work. This is part of the second act of Rimsky's opera Mlada composed in 1889-90. This is also the last movement of this opera's suite, also called Cortege.

  The libretto of Mlada is by Rimsky-Korsakov based on materials by Gedeonov and Krilov. The story is outlined in the leaflet of Naxos 8.550486: Mlada, a dream-figure, is betrothed to Yaromit, but at her wedding is murdered through a poisoned ring, given her by Voyslava, daughter of a prince who wishes to bring about Yaromir's downfall, a devotee of the infernal goddess Morena. The intervention of the spectral Mlada prevents the embraces of Yaromir and Voyslava, who is eventualy killed by the man she had hoped to deceive and claimed by the goddess Morena.

  See also a sinopsis of Mlada at this site.
  
  
• Are there two operas "Mlada"?
  Yes. The first Mlada was an Opera-ballet composed in colaboration with Mussorgsky, Cui, Borodin and Minkus with the libretto by Krilov. Rimsky-Korsakov contributed mainly with the choruses. This is an unfinished work composed in 1872. Material from this work was later used by the composers in other pieces of music. Namely, one of the act included a version of Mussorgsky's master piece "Night on the Bare Mountain" and his "Procession of the Princes". Rimsky-Korsakov's "Night on Mount Triglav" was later re-worked an published as a separate orchestral piece of music.

  The four-acts Opera-ballet Mlada composed by Rimsky-Korsakov in 1889-90 is a complete, published, recorded and performed work world-wide. The libretto is by the composer.

  
  
• Did Rimsky-Korsakov compose any symphonies ?
  Yes, he composed three beautiful symphonies. The second, also called Antar, deserved, in my opinion, to be as popular as Sheherazade. He also worked on the sketches of a fourth symphony. The score containing details of a scherzo was published in 1970. The sketch was composed over the period 15-19 August 1884.
  
  
• What are the relevant books about Rimsky-Korsakov ?
  Please look at this page for the books I used to construct the basis of this site. You can find out more material at amazon.com.