From the Sea and Sinbad’s Ship all the way to A Cliff Surmounted by a Bronze Horseman.
“Scheherazade” and “1001 Arabian Nights” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Background
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, composed in 1888, is one of the most famous symphonic works in the orchestral repertoire. It is a symphonic suite, meaning it consists of multiple movements that are related thematically, rather than a single, continuous symphony. The suite is inspired by One Thousand and One Nights (also known as Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales that have been passed down through generations and have inspired numerous works of art across the world.
The Story of One Thousand and One Nights
One Thousand and One Nights is a compilation of various folktales from the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. The frame story revolves around King Shahryar, who, after discovering his wife’s infidelity, decides to marry a new woman each day and have her executed the following morning to prevent further betrayal.
However, his plans are thwarted by Scheherazade, a clever and courageous woman who volunteers to marry the king. Each night, she tells him a captivating story but leaves it unfinished at dawn, sparking the king’s curiosity. Desiring to hear the end of the story, the king postpones her execution for another day. This continues for 1001 nights, with Scheherazade weaving tales of adventure, romance, magic, and mystery, until eventually the king’s heart softens and he abandons his cruel plan.
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is not a direct musical depiction of the One Thousand and One Nights stories, but rather it evokes their exotic atmosphere and narrative energy through orchestral music. The work is built around four movements, each capturing different aspects of the tale. Here is an analysis of each movement:
1. The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship
The first movement is evocative of the vast, mysterious sea. It begins with a tumultuous representation of the ocean, with crashing waves created by the strings and winds, leading into a grand, sweeping melody. This represents Sinbad’s ship, which embarks on an adventurous voyage. The musical texture is rich, using the full orchestra to depict the grandeur and peril of the sea. The movement contains elements of danger and the unknown, much like Sinbad’s legendary adventures.
2. The Story of the Kalendar Prince
This movement is characterized by a more lyrical and exotic theme. It tells of a prince who goes on a journey in search of knowledge and wisdom. The music is more introspective and dreamlike, with an emphasis on themes of mysticism and romance. The solo violin (representing Scheherazade) is prominent here, weaving intricate melodies that bring the character of the storyteller to life.
3. The Young Prince and the Young Princess
The third movement introduces a love story between a young prince and princess, and is perhaps the most melodic and lush of the four movements. This movement features a beautiful, sweeping theme that represents the romance and tenderness between the two lovers. The delicate, almost playful theme portrays the courtship, while the orchestration shifts between beauty and longing, evoking the deep emotional connection between the characters.
4. Festival at Baghdad – The Sea – The Ship Goes to Pieces Against a Cliff Surmounted by a Bronze Horseman
The final movement returns to the thrilling action and grandeur of the earlier movements, with a lively and festive theme representing a celebration or festival in Baghdad. However, the music soon takes a dramatic turn, depicting the destruction of Sinbad’s ship against a cliff, bringing the suite to a tumultuous and intense climax. The “Bronze Horseman” refers to the famous statue of Peter the Great in St. Petersburg, symbolizing the conflict between fate and human will, and it serves as a metaphor for the larger-than-life challenges the characters face in their adventures.
The Role of the Violin
The violin plays an essential role throughout Scheherazade, representing the voice of Scheherazade herself. The violin’s melodies are often ethereal, mysterious, and fluid, mimicking the act of storytelling, shifting between the threads of different tales. The violinist is tasked with creating a vivid, almost vocal quality to represent Scheherazade’s ability to captivate and hold the king’s attention with her narratives.
Musical Style and Influence
Rimsky-Korsakov was known for his masterful orchestration and ability to create vivid, colorful musical landscapes. In Scheherazade, his use of lush harmonies, exotic scales (such as the Phrygian and Oriental modes), and intricate orchestral textures creates a soundscape that evokes the mysterious and fantastical world of the Arabian Nights.
The work’s tone is highly romantic and dramatic, filled with sweeping melodies and intricate counterpoint. Rimsky-Korsakov’s skillful use of the orchestra allows him to create a sense of grandeur and intimacy in equal measure. Through innovative use of rhythm, melody, and orchestration, Rimsky-Korsakov paints a vibrant sonic picture of the fantastical world of the Middle East, emphasizing mystery, adventure, romance, and magic.
Influence of Russian Nationalism
Rimsky-Korsakov, as part of the Russian Five (a group of composers aiming to create a distinct Russian musical identity), infused Scheherazade with nationalistic tendencies, although the piece is far more exotic in its thematic material than his more overtly Russian works. The influence of folk melodies and a preference for vibrant, colorful orchestration reflect the Russian tradition, even as the musical material delves into the exoticism of the East.
Conclusion
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is a masterful orchestral work that draws deeply from the enchanting tales of One Thousand and One Nights, using the full power of the orchestra to evoke mystery, grandeur, romance, and adventure. The symphonic suite is a tribute to the power of storytelling, as embodied by Scheherazade, and is regarded as one of the most iconic works in the orchestral repertoire, capturing the essence of the East through Western musical language. Through lush orchestration and captivating melodies, Rimsky-Korsakov creates a vivid, timeless journey into a world of wonder and excitement.
