In 1878-79 Rimsky-Korsakov wrote a string quartet but he was unhappy with it and so were the composers of his circle. Rimsky decided that the material deserved to be treated in a different manner. Consequently, after finishing the composition of "Skakza" he reworked the first three movements of the quartet into the Sinfonietta while the last movement was turned into the piano-four hands piece "In the Church". The three movements of the Sinfonietta do not bear the descriptive titles that the quartet movements had. The first, Allegro pastorale, was called "In the field". The second, Adagio, was "At the wedding party". It includes a lovely melody for horn at the opening. The third, Scherzo- finale, was "At Khorovod", and is pervaded by a dancing rhythm.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.