- Iastrebtsëv, Vasilii Vasil’evich. Reminiscences of Rimsky-Korsakov. Trans. and
abridged by Florence Jonas. New York: Columbia U.P., 1985. xv, 578p. ISBN
0-2310-5260-X. ML410 .R45 I151.
Originally published in Russian (Petrograd, 1917) and in a revised, abbrevi-
ated edition (Moscow, 1959–1960); the latter was the basis for the English
translation. Seaman describes the author as “A Russian Boswell,” whose jour-
nal recorded his almost daily meetings with the composer, giving a “unique
insight into Korsakov’s life, his home environment, his compositions, their
rehearsal and performance, and his creative plans.” The English version has a
foreword by Gerald Abraham and an index. In it the transliteration used is
Vasily Yastrebtsëv.
See also New Grove Russian Masters 2(#2643).
Operas in General
- Gilse van der Pals, Nikolai. N. A. Rimsky-Korsakow: Opernschaffe: Nebst
Skizze über Leben und Werken.Leipzig: W. Bessel, 1929. vii, 691p. Reprint,
Hildesheim:Olms, 1977.
Genesis, libretto, and musical analysis of the 15 operas. Without bibliography
or index. - Griffiths, Steven. A Critical Study of the Music of Rimsky-Korsakov, 1844–
1890.Outstanding Dissertations in Music from British Universities. New
York: Garland, 1989. 432p. ISBN 0-8240-0197-4. ML410 .R55 G75.
A publication of the author’s dissertation, U. of Sheffield, 1982. Most of the
book is about instrumental works; only four operas were completed in the pe-
riod studied. For those (Maid of Pskov, May Night, Snowmaiden,and Mlada)
there are program notes, genesis accounts, and some literary/musical analysis.
Brief bibliography, 118 pages of musical examples, no index.
Individual Works
Christmas Eve (Noch pered)
- Taylor, Philip. Gogolian Interludes: Gogol’s Story “Christmas Eve” as the
Subject of the Operas by Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov.London: Col-
lets, 1984. iv, 264p. ISBN 0-912483-22-9. PG3332 .N5 T39.
Both libretti are given in English, with the genesis of each opera. There is
analysis of both works and an appendix giving contemporary documents and
critical views.
The Golden Cockerel (Zolotoi petushok)
- Abraham, Gerald. “Satire and Symbolism in The Golden Cockerel.” M&L 52
(1971): 46–54.
Genesis, literary sources (which include Washington Irving), censorship and its
impact, and an examination of the characters. Concludes there is political
satire in the opera but no deeper symbolism.
See also Abraham in Studies (#2635).
296 Opera