Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) came from an aristocratic family which lived near Novgorod.
When he appeared to be musically gifted as a child, his parents did not hesitate one moment to map out a more honourable profession for him he wasto make a career in the navy as a marine officer.
Rimsky-Korsakov, however, succeeded in secretly studying the cello next to his studies at the Naval Academy at St Petersburg. Through his cello teacher he came into contact with the composerBalakire...