Rimsky-Korsakov, who studied piano and composition as a child, abandoned his early career as a naval cadet to devote himself entirely to music.

He belonged to a group of 19th century Russian nationalist composers (with Cui, Borodine, Balakirev and Moussorgski) known as the Mighty Handful or the Five.

Rimsky-Korsakov was mainly self-taught, but achieved professional competence through disciplined study.

At the age of 27 he was appointed professor of orchestration and composition at the St. Petersburg Conservatoire.

He was a respected teacher and Stravinsky, Glazunov, Arensky and Ljadov figured among his many pupils.

He was a proficient orchestrator and set himself the task of completing and revising the work of some of his fellow-composers, such as Borodin's opera "Prince Igor" and much of the seemingly uneven writing of his friend Moussorgsky.

Generally known for his colourful orchestral compositions, Rimsky-Korsakov also wrote songs and choral music, chamber music and works for piano.

Of the fifteen operas completed by Rimsky-Korsakov, mention may be made of The Snow Maiden, The Maid of Pskov, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Mlada, Sadko, The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh and the satirical, once banned, Le coq d'or (The Golden Cockerel).

Orchestral and instrumental excerpts from some of these may be very familiar, including the famous "Flight of the Bumble Bee", from The Tale of Tsar Saltan, a prince who turns himself into a bee and stings his wicked aunts.

Of the various orchestral works by Rimsky-Korsakov "Capriccio espagnol" (Spanish Caprice) and the symphonic suite "Sheherazade", based on the book "Arabian Nights" are by far the best known, followed by the Russian Easter Festival Overture.

MIDI FILE - " Sheherazade": The Sea and Sindbad's Ship (10'39'')