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Rimsky-Korsakov · Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Rimsky-Korsakov Symphony No. 3 in C major

The symphony Tchaikovsky called 'too academic'

Key
C major
Composed
1873
Premiere
1874 St. Petersburg
Duration
about 33 min
Movements
4 movements
Instrumentation
Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 · Brass 4·2·3·1 · Timpani · Strings

The story behind this piece

He finished it in 1873 and premiered it in St. Petersburg in 1874, but the audience reaction was lukewarm. Cui praised it, but Tchaikovsky left the verdict that it was "too academic." Rimsky-Korsakov heavily revised the piece in 1886, and this revised version was published in 1888.

What to listen for

  • Second movement, Scherzo: Each bar has five beats (5/4). The composer thought this unfamiliar meter might be why conductors were reluctant to perform the whole piece.

Listen · Score

Credits