Scheherazade is a four part symphonic suite completed by Russian composer Rimsky Korsakov in the year 1888. It was inspired by the epic 1001 Arabian Nights and derives its title from the epic's heroine. "Indeed it was said that she had collected a thousand books of histories relating to antique races and departed rulers. She had perused the works of the poets and knew them by heart; she had studied philosophy and the sciences, arts and accomplishments; and she was pleasant and polite, wise and witty, well read and well bred" (Burton 45). Through the use of different instruments and themes, Korsakov weaves a tale of oriental fascination and fairy-tale whimsy for listeners young and old. A major component of the suite is that Korsakov's did not want the music to be scrupulously outlined by the epic, but rather loosely guided by it (Schwarm). Korsakov took the imagery of ancient desert cities and middle eastern culture and channeled it into music that feels exotic to western listeners. Korsakov coupled this with instrumentation representing both the King and Scheherazade herself. The King is introduced in the very beginning of the piece, with a resoundingly bold, brash theme to represent his power. This is answered by the whimsical violin, the personification of the cunning and beautiful Scheherazade. As these two sounds interact with each other, the listener can begin to draw comparisons to the epic.
The act of storytelling is an inherent factor of human culture. We have been telling stories for thousands of years for entertainment and educational purposes. As empires and cultures rise and fall, their stories are, for the most part, lost in time. However, we have some stories dating thousands of years ago, such as Gilgamesh and 1001 Arabian Nights. Because these stories are so impactful to the individual, they are remembered, transcribed, and passed down. The art of storytelling in human culture continues its cycle thousands of years after the stories were written.
Scheherazade represents the significance of the epic as a medium in developing culture. It specifically shows 1001 Arabian Nights' ability to impact culture thousands of years later and in a completely different part of the world (Russia) than where it was written (the Middle East). Epics have the ability to inspire incredible works of art, and it is important to hold them in a high regard for this ability.
Schwarm, Betsy. "Scheherazade." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 08 Apr. 2016. Web. 09 Oct. 2016. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Scheherazade-by-Rimsky-Korsakov
Weinberg, Rob. "Rimsky-Korsakov - Scheherazade: An Exhilarating Journey of Love, Intrigue and Adventure." Classic FM. Classic FM, 12 Apr. 2014. Web. 08 Oct. 2016
http://www.classicfm.com/composers/rimsky-korsakov/guides/scheherazade-jane-jones/#6QLWQd2t3qeie5WV.97