Rimsky-Korsakov’s Overture on Russian Themes
Notes by TŌN violinist Yuchen Zhao
Written in 1866 and revised in 1880, the Overture on Russian Themes offers an early showcase of Rimsky-Korsakov’s vibrant orchestration and his commitment to a distinct Russian musical voice. He played a crucial role in “The Mighty Handful”, a group of Russian composers that Mily Balakirev commanded. As Rimsky-Korsakov’s mentor, Balakirev was helping him develop, critique, and rework his musical ideas. This overture was modeled after Balakirev’s overtures and is based on three tunes from Balakirev’s collection of Russian folksongs published the same year.
The first song is “Slava/Glory”, which Mussorgsky soon after would famously use in the coronation scene of his opera Boris Godunov. Interestingly, 60 years before Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky, Beethoven also used this tune in his “Razumovsky” String Quartet No. 8. In Rimsky-Korsakov’s overture, variations on this solemn and dignified melody are followed by variations on two fast dance themes, emphasizing a festive nature. Traditional instruments are evoked by an imitative woodwind composition, while the use of orchestral color provides fresh insights into each tune as it emerges. Rimsky-Korsakov has an evident talent for turning straightforward, sincere subjects into something brilliant and intricate.
To me, this composition, which combines folk tradition, the impact of Balakirev’s instruction, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s creative orchestration, seems like a living musical time capsule. Here, “Slava/Glory” shines as a tribute to tradition and a personal expression by the young composer.