(December 2021) Episode 371 is NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV. One of the members of the Russian composer version of the Rat Pack, he is considered a master of symphonic orchestration, including the well-known “Scheheradaze.” He is also known for his operas which incorporate folk and supernaturalism — you’ll recognize the tunes “Procession of the Nobles” and “Flight of the Bumblebee.” His compositions are not soiled by the sappy string sounds that characterize others like Tchaikovsky.
Favorite piece: Scheheradaze
Favorite opera: The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: a solid choice among romantic-era Russian composers
Opus Project 