Nikolai Rimski-Korsakow

Capriccio Espagnol op. 34

Originally intended for solo violin and orchestra, Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) later determined that the five Spanish folk melodies used in each of the movements of his Capriccio Espagnol would be better served in a purely orchestral work. Often lauded for its orchestration, the work features a large percussion section and many unique techniques and articulations such as the fourth movement where the violinists, violists, and cellists are asked to imitate guitars. Movements: I. Alborada, II. Variazioni, III. Alborada, IV. Scena e canto gitano ("Scene and Gypsy song"), and V. Fandango asturiano. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2(1dEH).2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(4-5): Hp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).