My Musical Life

Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov was probably one of the most significant composers in Russia in the 19th century. Largely self taught - he trained as a naval officer - he is best known for three orchestra works: "Sheherazade", the "Spanish Capriccio" and "Russian Easter". He has influenced subsequent generations of composers, and his own pupils included Glazunov, Stravinsky and Prokofiev. This is an account of the growth of a Russian national musical idiom that followed the pioneer work of Glinka, and culminated in the ballets of Stravinsky. As a member of "The Five" - the foremost young composers of his generation - Rimsky presents us with a unique insight into the daily lives and work of Balakirev (their implacable leader), Cesar Cui, Modest Mussorgsky and Alexander Borodin. There are imtimate portraits of these and other colleagues, including Tchaikovsky, Rubinstein, Glazunov, and Liadov. The lively musical scene in Petersburg is also evoked. A major part of the book describes Rimsky-Korsakov's own musical career, from unpromising amateur beginnings to final unofficial ascendancy as the father of Russian music.