RSA at Home: Scheherazade
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was a Russian composer who was known for his colorful and dramatic music. Many of his pieces are based on fairy tales from Russia and other cultures.
Scheherazade is a tone poem based on stories from One Thousand and One Nights (the same book that gave us Aladdin!). A tone poem is a piece of music that tells a story, kind of like a movie soundtrack, but without the movie.
Sometimes the composer is very specific about the details of the story, and sometimes they give the title and let you imagine the rest.
When you listen to the music, you get to picture the movie in your imagination.
What to do
While you're listening, pay attention to each movement, they all tell a story.
I. The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship
II. The Kalandar Prince
III. The Young Prince and the Princess
IV. Festival at Baghdad
Once you’ve listened to all four movements, draw a picture of your favorite scene from the music. If you would like to share your drawing, have an adult take a picture of it and share it on this page!
Do you have a favorite story that you think would make a good tone poem?
Share with Us Online
Did you have fun enjoying Scheherazade together? Did you draw a picture or write some music? Let us know on Facebook
Hey Parents, Teachers, & Guardians
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Check out our other at-home activities.