Scheherazade

By Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Book Overview

It is one of the world's most beloved symphonic compositions -- a shimmering, evocative musical treatment of the legend of Scheherazade. Composed in 1888 by Nikolay Rimsky-Koraskov (1844-1908), Russian master of orchestration and luminous tone-painting, Scheherazade re-creates the legend of the Sultan Schahriar, who, convinced of the perfidy and faithlessness of women, vowed to execute each of his wives after the first night. But the Sultana Scheherazade saved her life by telling the Sultan fascinating stories for 1001 nights, staving off her demise by keeping the sanguinary ruler in a state of suspense over the outcome of the tales she told.
Considered a masterpiece of "program" music, Scheherazade is imbued with exotic Near Eastern moods and the subtle flavor of Russian folk music. The musical "Program" contains four parts:
I. The sea and Sinbad's ship
II. The story of the prince-kalandar
III. The young prince and the princess
IV. Festival in Baghdad. The sea. The ship breaks up against a cliff surmounted by a bronze horseman. Conclusion.
This Dover edition is an unabridged and unaltered republication of the score originally published by M. P. Belaieff in Leipzig. It contains every note of the original composition in large, clear notation, as well as a new English translation of the "Program." Musicians, students, musicologists, and any music lover will welcome this sturdy, inexpensive study score of one of the landmarks of the classical repertoire.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486247341
• ISBN13: 9780486247342
• Release Date: October 1984
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.1" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

A great score for a great work

This is Dover's printing of the full, orchestral score of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. It is a bit overwhelming. Rimksky-Korsakov was a master of orchestration and orchestral color and his main theme, at once stated by the trombones is the basis for all the rest odf this 40 minute piece. It's true his variations are not very well hidden but his coloring is incredible and this score lets you see them as well as hear them. I find myself following a different instrument in the orchestra each time I use it. See, kids, reading can be fun! ha ha This will not be a waste to your wallet or take up shelf space without being useful.

Scheherazade, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakow

Among Rimsky-Korsakow's most beloved works, this orchestral poem depicting select tales from Scheherazade and 1001 Nights. The score is very durable and will lie flat nicely on a desk or music stand. The print is very large and easy to read, despite it's smaller size -- Dover opted for 8.5 x 11 in lieu of their more standard 9 x 12. The low price is a great attraction to the starving music student.You'll love this colorful score for the Rimsky-Korsakov's lush orchestration and romantic writing (the score itself has many colorful pictures on it). This is a must for the music student, professional, or advid listener, alike.

Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade

This Dover publication is a very cost-effective way to get accustomed with this masterpiece by Rimsky-Korsakov. Scheherazade tells the story of 1001 nights, Rimsky shines his light over a number of this tales. The score is clear, well-readible, but lacks commentary and is not an outstanding reproduction.