Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s (1844-1908) path to completion of his Symphony No. 1, Op. 1 was less direct than is usual. While he had sketched ideas for the symphony as a result of his compositions lessons with F.A. Kanille, it was Rimsky-Korsakov’s mentor, Mily Balakirev, that really encouraged the young aspiring composer to continue the work. Before he could finish the symphony, his duties in the Russian navy took priority, although the 18-year-old continued to compose the work during his 3-year world tour. Rimsky-Korsakov finished the work during a stop in London, then mailed the score to Balakirev, who held it until the naval tour was complete. Following the end of the tour and his return to St. Petersburg in 1865, Balakirev suggested additional work on the symphony. Balakirev then conducted the premiere of the symphony in December of 1865 to great success, though the audience was surprised to see a man wearing the uniform of a navy officer when the composer was asked to stand during the applause. In 1884, Rimsky-Korsakov transposed the work from E-flat minor to E minor to make it easier for student and amateur orchestras to perform, and he also reversed the order of the slow movement and scherzo. This second version is the standard one performed today. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).