Born on March 18, 1844, Tikhvin, Russia; Died on June 21, 1908, in Liubensk, Russia
Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36
Composed: 1887-88
Estimated length: 15 minutes
Against a backdrop of upheaval in the Russian Empire, a circle of young composers gathered in St. Petersburg under the leadership of Mily Balakirev. Known as “the Mighty Five,” they sought an authentic expression of the Russian “soul,” often drawing on folk and liturgical sources.
Rimsky-Korsakov, the youngest of the group, began as a naval officer before turning decisively toward music. Though Balakirev opposed conservatory training, Rimsky later immersed himself in rigorous study after joining the Saint Petersburg Conservatory at twenty-seven. The result was a rare synthesis: nationalist fervor joined with masterly orchestration.
Composed in the late 1880s, Russian Easter Overture (Rimsky called it The Bright Holiday) reflects both sides of his formation. It draws on themes from the Russian Orthodox liturgy while showcasing the brilliantly colored orchestration for which he became renowned. Though not personally religious, Rimsky was fascinated by the holiday’s older, legendary layers—the way ancient folk customs and seasonal rituals lingered beneath the Orthodox celebration, especially in the transition from the somber mystery of Holy Saturday to the exuberant celebration of Easter morning.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
The Overture opens with solemn woodwind sonorities and chant-like themes from the Orthodox liturgy. In the Allegro, a trumpet intones what Rimsky described as the “voice of the Archangel,” soon giving way to dance-like bell figures and animated passages suggesting the reading of the Gospel. The work moves toward a blazing conclusion, its orchestral palette expanding into jubilant brass and ringing bells.
Scored for 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, and strings.
− Thomas May is the Nashville Symphony's program annotator.
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