NVYO March 8th concert: Meet Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov!

Russian composer Nicholas Rimsky-Korsakov began his musical career with piano lessons at the age of six, but showed no strong interest in playing. Though he had a strong musical ear and began composing at the age of ten, Rimsky-Korsakov preferred literature over music. It wasn’t until his piano lessons with Feodor A. Kanille, that he was inspired to study music for a career. In 1861, Kanille introduced Rimsky-Korsakov to Mily Balakirev who influenced Rimsky-Korsakov in his musical studies. Through Balakirev, Rimsky-Korsakov developed close friendships with many other Russian composers, and became a member of “The Five,” of which Mily Balakirev was the leader. In addition to his many compositions including Flight of the Bumblebee, Rimsky-Korsakov is remembered for teaching over 250 students at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Amy Beach was the first woman to have a symphony performed by a major US orchestra. A successful piano performance and touring career was put to a stop when she married at 18 to a prominent surgeon who expected her to stay at home, and told her to refrain from performing or teaching. He encouraged her to compose, but expected that she do so without seeking any further formal training. Restrictions like these were unfortunately very typical for middle- and upper-class women of the time. Amy had remarkable success as a composer of symphonies, chamber music, and a well-received mass. After her husband's death, she resumed several decades of performing, composing, and teaching, and founded the Society of American Women Composers.