Scheherazade

Prolific Russian composer Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, (1844–1908), is perhaps best known for his orchestral compositions. He wrote 15 operas, as well as a number of symphonies, choral music, and songs. Rimsky-Korsakov was born into an aristocratic family who, though realizing their son had musical ability, did not take it seriously because being a composer was not considered suitable for someone of their social standing. Based on his parents’ wishes, he studied for a career in the Imperial Russian Navy. While at school, he took piano lessons and became convinced as his studies progressed that he could make a career in music, even though he lacked the formal music training of a conservatory. He began composing his first symphony while at sea in the Russian navy. As his naval duties lessened, he found more time to compose. In 1871, he was invited to become a professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and in 1873 resigned his naval commission, devoting himself to teaching and composing. Ironical