Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov  (KOR-sa-koff)

Born March 18, 1844 in Tikhvin, Russia

Died June 21, 1908

Nationality: Russian

Period/Style: Romantic

About the composer:

Like so many other composers, Nikolai was a very talented child who showed musical ability at an early age. His family had an old piano, and he learned to play “by ear” without lessons.  He learned lots of things on his own without being taught.  He even taught himself how to read.  He loved to climb trees and play outdoors all by himself for hours, often in a world of make-believe.  He was very interested in astronomy, and he loved to read novels and explore great literature. When he was very young, mother often sang to him, and he would beat on his toy drum while his dad played the piano.  Nikolai always enjoyed music, but he didn’t set out to be professional musician. He tried lots of other things first.  It was while he was in the Marines that he began to realize how much he loved music, and only then did he begin to study music seriously.  He went on to become a fine pianist and composer, and eventually he became a fine teacher who taught many other Russian composers. 

About the music:

Flight of the Bumblebee:

Procession of the Nobles:

Suggested activities: