Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Rimsky-Korsakov is one of the most important composers in Russia’s musical history.

A highly regarded teacher, composer, orchestrator, conductor, and public figure, Rimsky-Korsakov was a man of immense talent.

Rimsky-Korsakov had perfect pitch.

Rimsky-Korsakov and his wife, Nadehzeda (an equally talented musician), worked together on many musical projects.

Mussorgsky was the best man at Rimsky-Korsakov's wedding.

Originally planning on a career in the Russian navy, Rimsky-Korsakov attended the Naval Academy and was active in the service for years.

Though Rimsky-Korsakov had very little formal musical training, he was appointed as professor of composition at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

All of the notes in Rimsky-Korsakov’s manuscript scores slant evenly to the right, making him the only composer to write music entirely in italics.

Rimsky-Korsakov wrote an entertaining autobiography, My Musical Life.

The "Rimsky"(Roman) in Rimsky-Korsakov was added by the composer's Russian ancestors to celebrate their Roman roots.

As a young man, Rimsky-Korsakov didn't really enjoy his music lessons; he much preferred reading a good book.

During his time in the Russian navy, Rimsky-Korsakov visited many foreign countries.

Rimsky-Korsakov's most famous compositions are Scheherazade and "The Flight of the Bumblebee" from his opera, Tsar Saltan.