The best recordings of Rimsky-Korsakov

We round up some of the greatest examples of the works of the Russian composer, Rimsky-Korsakov, on disc

Rimsky-Korsakov best recordings

Daniel Jaffé

Published: March 16, 2019 at 5:00 pm

Christmas Eve

Tarkhov, Krasovsky; Radio Moscow Choir & Symphony Orchestra/Nikolai Golovanov Documents 298348

This 1948 recording is full of character and worth hearing despite historic sound.

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Overture and Suites from the Operas

RSNO/Neeme Järvi Chandos CHAN 10369(2)

An excellent introduction to Rimsky-Korsakov’s fantastical side.

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The Snowmaiden

Sokolik, Arkhipova; Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra/Fedoseyev Relief CR 991049

A fine cast captures the charm and poignancy of Rimsky-Korsakov’s pantheistic opera.

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Sadko

Galusin, Tarassova, Gassiev; Kirov Chorus & Orchestra/Valery Gergiev Philips 0704399 (DVD)

A superb cast in a wonderful production of one of Rimsky-Korsakov’s fairy-tale operas.

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Journalist and Critic, BBC Music Magazine

Daniel Jaffé has been associated with BBC Music Magazine since 2004 when he was the reviews editor, working in that post until he went freelance in 2011. Previously he was on the editorial teams of Classic CD and Gramophone. A specialist in both Russian and 20th-century British music, he has also written articles and programme notes for various orchestras and festivals both in the UK and abroad, published two books – Sergey Prokofiev (Phaidon), and a Historical Dictionary of Russian Music (Scarecrow Press) – and contributed extensively to the Cambridge Stravinsky Encyclopedia (CUP).