Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov 1844 – 1908

Biography

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was born on March 18, 1844, in the small town of Tikhvin, Russia. From these humble provincial roots, he would go on to become one of his nation’s most celebrated composers, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music. His life spanned a transformative period in Russian culture, and he worked tirelessly to advance the artistic traditions of his homeland.

On June 21, 1908, Rimsky-Korsakov passed away in Lyubensk at the age of sixty-four, his death resulting from a myocardial infarction. His passing marked the end of a remarkable creative life dedicated to his craft. The composer was laid to rest at Tikhvin Cemetery in Saint Petersburg, returning him to the region near his birthplace—a fitting resting place for an artist so deeply connected to Russian soil and spirit.

Though his years on earth were finite, Rimsky-Korsakov’s artistic legacy has endured far beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire musicians and audiences across generations and continents.