Rimsky Korsakov - Sadko - Song Of India

"Song of India" is a popular song adapted from the aria "Pesni︠a︡ indiĭskogo gosti︠a︡" (Song of the Indian Guest) from Rimsky-Korsakov's 1896 opera Sadko.

#ClassicalMusic #Korsakov

[Manu-szmo]

A few years ago I heard this song in the distance while I was walking throught the streets of Moscow. When I reached the sound, I saw a man playing it with a balalaika. He had a long white beard and told me a story related to the song, about an Indian magician that was killed because of a promise he made to the moon in the last eve of the year. After he stopped playing, I was so enthusiastic that I asked the white-bearded man about his life. He stared in silence and took a little photo out of his pocket. It was a nice, blond, innocent girl. «She's my daughter»—he told me—«She loved this song, but died two months ago because of a heart disease. I play each night in the streets to remember her». He started crying, and I've never seen this man again, nor his balalaika. And I haven't heard this song again without thinking about him, that magical night in Moscow and his profound sadness.

[themamma]

One of the most beautiful and enchanting songs ever written. I've loved it since I was a child.

[harisaro]

I fell in love with this magical song 70years ago and I haven't got over it still. As an Indian I am so proud that Rimsky-Korsakov dedicated this jewel to India.

[MH-illk]

Sometimes a composer will write a melody that does something to your emotion that the only thing you can do is wipe the tears away. Thank God for music!

[carolleenkelmann]

This song "belongs" to my Mother who died much too young and a great deal unfullfilled. Passing on the appreciation of Rimsky-Korsakov's beautiful lilting music is one of her heritages which fulfills me and, as proxy for my mother, her as well.

[millerforester]

I've been listening to classical music for over 70 years. There is nothing any better than this.

[consuelolopez]

This was my Mother's favorite classical piece during her youth. She has passed away seven years ago but since today would have been her birthday, I was thinking of her. I thought about this song.  It is a beautiful composition and glad she shared this lovely piece of music with me.

[dennisrickman]

Rimski-Korsakoff's song of India is uniquely beautiful among my all time most beloved

[harisaro]

As an Indian I am so proud of this enchanting and dreamy song so beautifully played.

[HandattheHelm]

For anyone that wants to know, Yan Pascal Tortelier conducted this recording with the London Symphony Orchestra. He's not credited on many of the currently circulating albums containing this song, so I had to go through a lot of trouble to find out who was actually conducting it.

[Laputa_Ivanova.]

Один из великих русских классиков, который мог перенести в музыку величие природы и душу человека.Мне очень нравится.Браво!!!

[fifty]

When I was a young teen, my mom bought some classical albums. This was one of the songs, but it was my favorite. Thanks to my mom, I have a very eclectic musical genre. She was brilliant!

[xjskaay]

This would be a beautiful song to listen to while ice skating outside during winter.

[alfredsmith]

This has been my favorite piece of music since I was a young teenager. I am in my 70s and it still pulls at my heart strings .It has a gentle quality but is also strong and vibrant. Oh to have such a talent and be able to imagine, compose and play such beautiful music. How wonderful is it to listen to Korsakov's Song of India and watch Torvill and Dean skate to it. A union of two great talents united in one magnificent performance.

[tackssherbo]

Rimski-Korsakov has always been my favorite.  His music has a melodic, often very recognizable and sensual quality that stays with you, and often very airy, joyful and light.  Once you hear a piece of his music, you can always remember its source.  Many of his pieces have been used in popular music so that the remakes of it always bring it "current" and not forgotten.

[vivianjardine]

this takes me to places I'll never go, and experiences I will never have, Beautiful

[dawnwelch]

Gorgeous! I had tears in my eyes; incredible strings! Gentle, yet magnificent!

I love Rimsky-Korsakov, but stand ashamed that I did not hear this music until now.

My most recent instructor said her beloved grandfather had asked her to perform this song with her group. They always had close bonds through music...he would always pick out pieces for her to try.

Sadly, not long after she finished performing, she got word that her grandfather was taken to the hospital. He passed away later that evening.

I had respectfully asked her what song it was. I listened to it today.

What a gift.

I am in complete awe.

[Olymon]

I agree with everyone else ... this is a very stirring and moving song.    Its not a song about princes and their riches, its a song about the people, their way-of-life, and their love for their country, its religions, and traditions.   A song of time honored love.

[serferten]

Rich, beautiful and timeless, when a lot of rock is long forgotten this jewel will still shine.

[anteop]

Every time I listen to Sog of India I get the same impression : "this is the best piece ever composed!"