Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was one of the great Russian Romantic composers, a master of orchestration whose brilliant colors and exotic harmonies influenced composers worldwide. This 1994 Chandos recording conducted by Dimitrij Kitaenko with the Bergen Philharmonic and pianist Geoffrey Tozer brings together some of his finest works: Symphony No. 3, Piano Concerto, the celebrated "Russian Easter Overture," and symphonic suite "Sadko." Rimsky-Korsakov's gift for orchestral color is on full display—shimmering woodwinds, soaring strings, and intricate instrumental dialogues paint vivid musical scenes. The Piano Concerto showcases memorable melody and romantic warmth, while "Sadko," based on Russian legend, swells with epic grandeur and folk-like simplicity. The "Russian Easter Overture" is particularly transporting, its bell-like harmonies and processional majesty utterly absorbing. Essential for discovering Russian Romanticism or seeking orchestral music with genuine poetry.