Rimsky-Korsakov - Christmas Eve: Orchestral Suite (1895)

[@graydonwheeler362]

If Rimsky-Korsakov has written a piece of music that I do not like, I have yet to hear it. Today is Christmas Eve, so I shall once again listen to this, as well as share it online with friends.

[@ЖеняМихасенко]

Наш родной, какое счастье, прикоснуться к этому волшебству.

[@markLittle-qx8px]

Christmas eve 2023. Happy Christmas to all.🎄

[@myronlarimer1943]

This what Christmas Eve sounds like. A lightly falling snow, the anticipation of the magic of Christmas. So subtle and moving.

[@hulkking7789]

Beautifully said

[@MaestrasSpriggs]

This was my favorite piece as a 9-year-old and I’ve never stopped loving it! Rimsky-Korsakov was also my favorite classical composer. It’s so good to hear this magical piece here!!

[@craigkowald3055]

Rimsky-Korsakov's mastery of orchestration is legendary and in full display here.

[@Saemi14]

I will never understand why Russian composers are so under-rated in the west, all the while I have to listen to the same old Beethoven and Mozart pieces over and over in concert houses. Maybe this is related to how the west never fully understood the Russian soul and hence could also not be captivated by its music.

[@BobBeverage]

@@Saemi14 This country has never really embraced Russia or it's culture, for political reasons. Music overcomes this to some extent, but not much. When we are at odds politically, you will hear less Russian music in the concert halls. I have great respect for many Russian composers. They are up there among the best we have ever had in classical music, particularly romantic and late romantic composers. But sadly, as the political climate is these days, they will not be heard in the concert halls in the US very often. And likewise, they probably program few, if any, American composers in Russia.

[@Marinavalerevna]

​@@BobBeverage Как это мешает жить, перекрывает кислород. Сегодня один "патриот" пригрозил написать на меня донос за то, что я слушаю немецкую классическую музыку и Чайковского /пропаганда нетрадиционной ориентации/.

[@BobBeverage]

@@Marinavalerevna That's a terrible thing to experience. No one should be criticized for simply listening to music. If one looks at classical music historically, the German and Austrian cultures produced many great composers (Bach, Brahms, Haydn, Wagner, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, etc.). Probably more than any other country, so it's pretty difficult to avoid listening to them.

[@walkerogden]

The tragedy of this era of music, especially Christmas, is we don't hear enough of it. That's the reason we are here!

[@Suedetussy]

Instead, we have to hear „Last Christmas“ everywhere. 😭

[@rovhalt6650]

@@Suedetussy lol true. People should listen more to classical music, and church quires. Especially scandinavian church quires.

[@gerardbegni2806]

What a delicate music and subtle orchestration! Rimski Korsakov was indeed a jeweller of the Russian music.

[@allentatomer8525]

I have never heard this comparison the "jeweler of Russian Music" . Very well put. I like it.

[@manthasagittarius1]

Yes, it is a very apt analogy. There is almost a synaesthetic quality to this orchestration, making visual comparisons natural -- light playing, glints and flashes like those given off by gems.

[@mariewalmsley1187]

@@manthasagittarius1 what a beautiful description! So true! 💕

[@ValzainLumivix]

Yes

[@Marinavalerevna]

Искусным ювелиром.

[@marklittle8435]

Christmas Eve 2020 UK. Stay safe worldwide.🌏 let's all meet again Christmas 2021. Have a great year.

[@poetrymafia27]

Happy Holidays from America!

[@Marinavalerevna]

​@@poetrymafia27 С любовью из России.

[@shishirth]

One of Rimsky-Korsakov's best works!

[@MegaCirse]

Rimsky-Korsakov was like Picasso: a phenomenal technique at the service of the most unbridled and fairytale abstraction !

[@davidlujan8364]

I just can't find words to describe what this music makes me fill, I only can say that it warms my ❤ and brings tears to my eyes...

[@jdub5359]

The Russians have such a flair for the dramatic... sweeping and whimsical

[@Lurgansahib]

Like all Rimksy Korsakov music this is music is just so exotic and evocative. Just love it.

[@jeffwaters1253]

I will now NEVER buy a 'Velvetizer' because it had the impertinence to interrupt this beautiful piece of music. Take note, advertisers.....

[@IainOElliott]

Do you like Rimsky? Why, of Korsakov!

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

LOL, that was funny. I need to use that one sometime.

[@Lyrakrosis]

Me: *casually scrolls down* "Do you like Rimsky?" Me: "Hmm?" "Why, of Korsakov!" Me: "Auhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

[@yp3424]

No doubt, there's a possibility of confusion with the famous psychiatrist of the Moscow university, Serguei Korsakoff.(1854-1900). Of course, Nik. Rimsky-Korsakov's music is recognisable from miles away.

[@nicolelagis2667]

You reminded me of Danny Kaye & Louis Armstrong's tour de force rendition of When the Saints Come Marching in, in the movie, The Five Pennies, words by Kaye's wife, Sylvia. I hadn't heard it in a long time. Totally different than Christmas Eve, my favorite Rimsky-Korsakov piece, but worth anyone listening here's time to take a listen - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKTbZ6CLpLl7i68

[@marirossi]

Ahahahhhhh🤪

[@marionlovett7167]

The painting go so well with this theme of Christmas from one of many great composers of Russia. Just beautiful this piece. Thanks for posting it.

[@ilfluore5126]

well, in Russia hay-storing season and Christmas eve are slightly apart in time )

[@ivanoech]

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is my favourite Russian composer. He is so very much attached to the land and its people's culture. Thanks to Scottish National Orchestra I was able to listen more of his music. Thanks

[@wittygardener]

I, Christmas Night is at 0:00 (obviously because it's the first) II. Ballet of the stars is at 6:16 III. Witches' ... at 11:37 IV. Polonaise at 17:07 V. Vacula and the Slippers at 22:55

[@martinpitchon5578]

wittygardener you got it wrong, even the title. This is an opera.

[@gregorbouldo4352]

Thank you for the markings of the tracks!

[@jlboul]

Thank you. Very much appreciated.

[@pedrosanchezmeza3515]

@@martinpitchon5578 si fuera ópera habría cantantes; primero investiga qué es "Suite Orquestal"

[@Hary197629]

Очень красивая, нежная музыка...Спасибо оркестру за чарующую музыку и автору канала за подбор картин и публикацию ролика.

[@windstorm1000]

Enchanting music--the transition from major to minor from the Snowflake Dance to the Witches ride is nothing short of breathtaking.

[@jksteven1]

So much great music from this composer who most people know only for his war-horse Scheherazade. But THIS piece, now this is beautiful and engaging and needs more exposure.

[@Olegstuff21986]

+Jk Stevenson I know a few of Korsakov's operas and enjoy them more than the Sheherazade, though I think the Sheherazade is also awesome. The operas definitely deserve more recognition, they are masteful.

[@entitatdesseins2403]

I think his most prominent piece ist the flight of the bumblebee.

[@alvinwyllie8502]

They certainly do! I'd even recommend hunting down the one old recording, from 1950, of Pan Voyevoda, which even now still sound good.

[@williamphillips6247]

Russian Easter Festival Overture is a smaller scale work of his I like that is quite famous, as well as the Procession of the nobles which I think is from one of his operas.

[@jackfletcher1000]

Scheherazade may be an old warhorse but its a beautiful old warhorse, don,t you think.?

[@riverwildcat1]

Wonderfully Russian! Like a richly decorated tree of glittering musical episodes.

[@scotthubbard8466]

Not just for Christmas Eve. Great any time of the year

[@margaretalexiu2047]

Beautiful gallery of pictures and a ear pleasing composition.

[@Michael-jx8wx]

I love your music Rimski korsakov ( The best Composer ) 17:44 Perfect Orchestration and Form

[@drzaius844]

Listening on Christmas Eve, 2018.

[@FundingAnimals]

Listening on Christmas Day, 2018. Merry Christmas!

[@roigrose5045]

Christmas 2019

[@phyllispetras2181]

12/4 /2020!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shin-i-chikozima]

素晴らしい絵画と美しい音楽の贈り物です。This performance is the gifts of excellent pictures and beautiful music, Greetings from Japan. So long . Sayonara ！ I pray your glory and awful happiness.

[@amandadavis3000]

atmospheric to the highest degree. just adore this piece

[@duibheasaoreilly167]

Well, I enjoyed this. First time hearing it but it won't be the last. The accompanying gallery was also a joy to behold. A big Thank You from Ireland.

[@steveegallo3384]

.....ay, faith & begorrah.....from Acapulco, too!

[@kaybeenullenvoyde9196]

And the art selections are lovely. I have so many associations with this music from the '60s. I played it for my fave cousin who went to die in Vietnam, back in '66/'67. I have this bond with Russian Mythos music as it is. my Mom was part Russian but we could never track down her genetic heritage.

[@windstorm1000]

I have a bond with Russian mythos in music too. RK was quite aware of 'pagan' associations in his native land and didn't see it as a conflict with Orthodox ways....

[@gpcrawford8353]

With Tchaikovskys sudden death Rimsky was able to compose his own music for this without causing slight to Tchaikovsky as had happened when Rimsky composed the snow maiden Tchaikovsky had also produced music for it.

[@IainOElliott]

It brings back to life memories of Christmas when small.

[@JGAFFJ]

Beautifully presented. Listening to this as the snow falls outside with the happy prospect of a concert performance of Rimsky-Korsakov ‘s Opéra this evening.

[@vgrube1]

Such a lovely work. I would not have been able to hear this wonderful piece. Thank you SO much~

[@hoodroberts]

Incredibly beautiful music and art work. Thank you for posting this!

[@tonyleach3061]

While I will always have Tchaikovsky as my favourite composer with his truly amazing symphonies especially his glorious fifth I appreciate other Russian composers to along with the undoubted masters of the classical genre be they Beethoven or Mozart. This piece however is truly beautiful and is a little unknown masterpiece in my opinion. So dramatic and spiritually inspired. Wonderful!!

[@wlrlel]

Nah, Beethoven and Mozart were something else...

[@tonyleach3061]

Wow! lovely pictures to accompany the Music to!!

[@SigP229R]

Until now "The Russian Easter Overture" was my favorite piece by this composer but that is no longer true. This piece is truly top drawer. Thanks for the post.

[@excalibur1812]

Listen to a Night on Mount Trilav... Especially the middle section after the 22:00 mark. That Eb clarinet solo. It's magical. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ameymH2aesRppa8

[@alvinwyllie8502]

I've got LP records and CDs of all Rimsky's operas, except Servilia, never recorded complete, apparently. Christmas Eve, for me, is the most magical of all. I'd recommend both available recordings of the opera, Golovanov (1948), and Yurovski (digital stereo, with French and English texts, but no Russian). It's Rimsky at his most lovable and magical!

[@carrieheidbrier1925]

I'm anxiously awaiting Servilia myself - couldn't find it if I tried now, but on some video from "Best of Classical Music" I saw a comment that a Moscow company made a recording not long ago. The parts I've heard are beautiful!

[@alvinwyllie8502]

Yes, I think Rozhdestvensky conducts. Still waiting for it to be issued!

[@dermoose1]

My earliest 78 rpm days began with Koussevitsky's Tchaikovsky Sym 5/BSO, and Rimsky's Capriccio Espagnol, Barbirolli/NY Phil. R-K has been with me ever since. Many versions of Sheherezade, (Montuex, Rodzinski come to mind) and the Russian Easter by Ormandy/Phila. Delighted to find this thread. Thank you.

[@sgut1947]

Superb! And thanks for uploading those great paintings with it.

[@maryannruprecht2200]

Who is the artist of the two children in the snow...?

[@ЛенаО-О]

автор картины-художник Трутовский, Константин Александрович (Россия, 1826-1893)

[@nyafeinstein]

The Love story of Oksana and Vakula will always haunt my heart

[@vangel1443]

This suite and video are a treasure. Thanks for the upload, musicanth!

[@pauljackson1029]

One of the most prophetic pieces ever written. How many composers of the last 100 years stole from this.

[@wcsxwcsx]

Yes, you can hear John Williams in it, for starters.

[@nicolelagis2667]

I'm glad you wrote that. I don't know much about music, but I've felt it.

[@phyllispetras2181]

@@wcsxwcsx EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@albe144]

I seem to hear Tonight from West Side Story at the beginning.

[@NoelleCanty]

I can hear the last movement of the 1812 overture.

[@FossilisedFishooks]

This is just magical

[@Sampdoria-hf1uw]

I am listening to this on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2018. Merry Christmas everyone!

[@RobF48]

I am too!

[@МихаилАбубакиров-ю5п]

Над нами пасмурное небо. Открываясь лучом озаряя. Привкус влажного снега, Озирая ходьбой. Снег остановился! Ощущение свежести, вздох!? И за вздохом, ходьба... Остановилась моя молва.

[@corrado1675]

Come sempre è un grande della musica. Questo è un capolavoro. Lo risento da quando ero ragazzo e non finisce di stupirmi. Grazie e Buon Natale!

[@redbrian3655]

Thank you for the upload and all of the links and history of the music and story. I really appreciate being able to learn so much as I listen. Well done. You are a real credit to YT. BRIAN

[@diegogil2601]

Hermosa música, hermosas imágenes... Gracias por compartir...

[@PorkyPiggles]

I love the intro to Korsakov's Christmas Eve. It makes the hairs on my neck stand on end. In fact I'd go as far to say that it tickles my Tchaikovsky!

[@Profcard]

С Рождеством, Merry Christmas!

[@thequiltedheart]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing this!

[@pedrol.grijalba6339]

Bellísima obra. Pedro L. Grijalba R. Lima - Perú.

[@HassoBenSoba]

I've never seen "Kinder im Schnee" (Children in the Snow), but it obviously depicts the conclusion of the story upon which Humperdinck based his 1910 opera "Konigskinder" ("The King's Children"), complete with the little flock of geese on the left side. The opera was commissioned and premiered by the NY Metropolitan, but failed to re-capture the magic of the composer's "Hansel and Gretel". Still, the music is incredibly gorgeous, especially in this transcendentally beautiful closing scene.

[@michaelpatterson2955]

Excellent composition! The brass seem to explode in the latter portion, giving it good balance with the opening. Very evocative.

[@Flashyfinancier]

Beautiful!!!! mankind is great

[@ronaldbwoodall2628]

Very accomplished and enjoyable music. Rimsky-Korsakov was a master orchestrator and melodist. I've never heard one of his operas, but now I may invest some time to do so.

[@carrieheidbrier1925]

My favorites are The Tsar's Bride and Pan Voyevoda, but they're considered atypical of his style - for that, I recommend starting with Legend of Tsar Saltan (original source of Flight of the Bumblebee)

[@rameyzamora1018]

Ahh this is exquisite. Many thanks for the post. The Polonaise!

[@Soso-ip8mg]

I'll listen to this live on the 21th December!❤ Can't wait!

[@nicksm7980]

26:56 Very modern harmony. Reminds me of some late 80's - early 90's movie music.

[@Masilya111]

That's true, and I find it is the case for other Rimsky-Korsakov pieces. His most famous student, Stravinsky, also offers music that I find extremely ahead of its time, and I'm sure Korsakov has something to do with it.

[@riseuplight]

Just unbelievable... like a movie soundtrack but written in the late 1800s.

[@KoparyaRUS]

Actually this track was used in the soviet cartoon of "the night before christmas" the whole cartoon is based on and fitted in with this complete piece of music. I am not shure about the title in english, but in Russian the title of the cartoon is: "Ночь перед рождеством." A very good cartoon. I wached it when I was a child back in the soviet.

[@vilius83]

Kopar'RUS Yes Kopar, that's a very good animated film. it's a pity they don't make cartoons like that anymore. Animations official title in English is "The Night Before Christmas" (1951 film).

[@aloisiodeoliveirabarros1386]

edonho ja estou acorrdada enviar cintom muito sua falya falta min respomnde vpce foi muotppo legal comigo envia

[@zinam5795]

That music came from great Russian autor,N.V.Gogol's fantasy-fairy tale! Pay attention on the great russian artists ,Rimsky-Korsakov's contemporarys,especially, Mikhail Vroubel--"Tsar-Saltan"s artist.... Bravo!

[@thomaskitto8247]

Music & art perfect ,

[@Sampdoria-hf1uw]

Listening on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2017.

[@Mithreniel]

Listening Christmas Eve Eve, Dec 23 2018! Cheers!

[@Sampdoria-hf1uw]

​@@Mithreniel I am listening to this piece on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2018. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

[@Mithreniel]

@@Sampdoria-hf1uw Merry Christmas and happy Yuletide!! =D This music is so beautiful!

[@Sampdoria-hf1uw]

Thanks! Merry Christmas and a happy Yuletide to you, too! Enjoy this music!

[@TheJMGI]

ochebuena ( ruso : Ночь перед Рождеством , Rozhdestvom Pered Noch ' ), es una ópera en cuatro actos con música y libreto de Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov . Compuesta entre 1894 y 1895, Rimsky-Korsakov basó su ópera en un relato corto, " Christmas Eve ", de Nikolai Gogol Tardes en una granja cerca Dikanka . [ 1 ] La historia se habían utilizado como base para una ópera al menos tres veces previamente, incluso para Tchaikovsky 's Vakula Smith (1874).

[@TheParvez1942]

Thanks very much for the Music & the "Gyan" Knowledge accompanying it from everybody. i am going on to Dubiniska after this Thanks a Million

[@noetorres3175]

Hermosa obra; ha tocado mi alma...!!!

[@kaybeenullenvoyde9196]

Nikolai was the Mythopoeic Artist of that time. He seemed to only one of a few who drew upon what Russian Epic Myth was available to utilize to glorify Russian Art Tradition. If only he had lived past his sell-by date, what wonders we might have seen.

[@jackfletcher1000]

Mythopoetic, now there,s a word, what does it mean , please.

[@robingordon-powell6736]

Crikey! Does that mean that people who have not gone "through crisis caused by catastrophes and losses" have no meaning in their lives? Or does it mean that their lives have no meaning? What is classified (officially, or authentically, or mythopoetically) as "ominous", and if I never meet it, does that mean I am living without meaning? How does Christmas Eve come into all this?

[@aslkhjbasijt785]

Well, I am very fond of him too, but can''t agree that he was one of the few to draw upon Russian myth. He was one of a group that concentrated on a more Russian music, and though most of them died or became unimportant, he became very successful, especially after, at Tchaikovsky's suggestion, he pursued a technical education. R-K probably tried to insinuate more Russian myth than most of them in his music, but Stravinsky's Firebird, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, some of Mussorgsky's work, Glinka before any of them, utilized Russian or Slavic myth or folk-lore. Others too.

[@asym52]

So apparently no one, including Ingrid, took Ingrid's advice and looked up the word mythopoeic. It's not difficult to do. And it has nothing to do with Rimsky-Korsakov or Hinduism, either one. More along the lines of H.P. Lovecraft or J.R.R. Tolkien.

[@seanhenry2921]

I'm struck by the influence this suite obviously had on James Horner and his compositions for the "Star Trek" movies.

[@letrublion1]

J'y pensais justement. Et aussi "Aliens" (1985).

[@raulduran394]

Yes, like of lots of movie tracks composers have done. And it's O.K.

[@phyllispetras2181]

YES!!!

[@30foxpictures]

Dvoraks Symphony No. 9 (II. Movement) jumps into my mind at the beginning :)

[@executer1989]

@YasyaEagle Thanks a lot for a link! I watched it for many-many times! Every Christmas sitting down at the TV and get enjoy since i remember of myself. This year won't be an exception also:) I watched it as all of us in a black-and-white version and only once in colors last year. But still prefer old b&w version much more, remembering me of my childhood.. Anyways Thanks a lot!

[@giorgiomutinati175]

Rimsky-Korsakov è un mio vecchio "amore",non sapevo neanche esistesse questa composizione.E' imperdonabile per me: faccio ammenda !

[@shin-i-chikozima]

Sandman comes into the depth deeply of the soul . It's about time I lost consciousness . i'm not sure if it's a dream or a reality . Good night .

[@ApolinarPerdomo1]

December 20th 2019. Merry Christmas!

[@angelajones4193]

Merry Christmas!

[@laurapierlet3354]

Feliz Navidad!

[@angelajones4193]

@@laurapierlet3354 Feliz Navidad!

[@laurapierlet3354]

@@angelajones4193 Feliz Navidad para ti tambièn!

[@trumpet71]

This is glorious music! I had heard of this opera but never heard any of the music....

[@windstorm1000]

they don't play RK"s music in halls or opera --with exception of Scherazade--Sad-he's so wonderful.

[@chandraraj9092]

Conjures up the bleak mid winter in the country very well!

[@ezzeldinehassan770]

Korsakov, s Music always stuck and kept in our childhood memories as well as Walt Disney stories .

[@swittle]

Hard though it is to touch genius, here is ample evidence that it can, and has, been done.

[@han6420sel]

So much for a so-called minor composer: I have always loved this piece, still brings me to tears.....

[@StripeRich]

Vote is in. My favorite Russian composer is: all of them.

[@kowalityjesus]

Rimsky-Korsakov is the best Korsakov

[@johnkla7866]

26:56 - 27:22 probably my favorite part of a piece that is absolutely outstanding as a whole!

[@robertcohn8858]

A pleasing collection of music that doesn't remind me so much of Christmas, as of themes I've heard from some science fiction films (eg: the Star Trek movies). Worth the listen, regardless of the time of year. Thanks for posting!

[@carrieheidbrier1925]

Based on the Wikipedia page for the opera, the story itself has very little to do with Christmas, other than the timing!

[@georgeberger8974]

What glorious music this is!

[@rubenalfredogiampietri8708]

magnificent, energizing music,bravo

[@aoe9857]

Note for myself - all credits to wittygardener: I. 0:00 Christmas Night II. 6:16 Ballet of the stars III. 11:37 Witches' Sabbath and Ride on the Devil's Back IV. 17:07 Polonaise V. 22:55 Vacula and the Slippers

[@KeithOtisEdwards]

It is not Christmas Eve here tonight, but it _is_ snowing outdoors, and I have a fever after receiving my second COVID vaccination, so this is the perfect music. Fine slide show of images which compliment the music. I should do so well.

[@musicanth]

@YasyaEagle You're welcome. This recording is from a terrific set of two CDs called "Rimsky-Korsakov: Overture and Suites from the Operas", which can be found on Amazon.com.

[@kazuwazerin8120]

I love this piece and the art you used!

[@renatosoto6794]

Es preciosa esta Suite de Christmas de Rimsky-Korsakov....Dr.Renato Soto Pacheco

[@jackfletcher1000]

What beautiful pictures these are.

[@philmixer]

Forgive me for saying so, but some look a bit sinister to me.

[@jackfletcher1000]

Maybe like something from Hammer film, but to me the images are beautiful

[@Transterra55]

Aaron Copland inherited the skill to emulate the melodic music of Russia, especially the melodies of Rimsky-Korsakov...the first three minutes of this piece reminded me of parts of "Appalachian Spring," but what really caught my ear was from 26:56-27:30. So incredibly beautiful! I wonder if Copland was influenced by this?--If not, it is just DNA from Russian culture.

[@jackfletcher1000]

What an evocative little piece The Ballet of the stars is?

[@davestonehill6177]

Just great....what more can I say.

[@nathanparke375]

27:23 my favorite part. It reminds me of Gunnar Kaasen riding into Nome in the storm delivering the medicine. dogs plowing through the snow and doctor Curtis Welch shocked, not believing what he is seeing, a half frozen team coming home. They are saved.

[@sergixtepec1]

I love this composer and his wonderful music, thank you to Valerio 1951 for his information about the last picture. I love plastic art and I was impressed for this pieace of art.

[@darylchambers5945]

Beautiful delicate piece.

[@Sertorius1000]

Merry Christmas to you, Russia.

[@Kot-d9n]

Спасибо, Ryan. У нас сегодня Сочельник - канун Рождества.

[@musicanth]

@valerio1951 The last picture is called "Kinder im Schnee" and it is by Richard Borrmeister. (Sorry, I can't speak Italian)

[@Nikola.Tesla369]

Büyük bir şah eser. 🎼

[@laurawindspell2177]

Listening on Christmas Day 2018