Which work is composed by Rimsky-Korsakov?

• A. Scheherazade
• B. A Midsummer Night's Dream
• C. The Surprise Symphony
• D. A Night on Bald Mountain

Answer: (A)

Scheherazade is a flagship example of Rimsky-Korsakov’s lush orchestration and programmatic storytelling. Composed in 1888–89, this symphonic suite vividly paints tales from One Thousand and One Nights, with vivid color on the orchestra, distinctive sections, and memorable solo lines that evoke the narrator’s voice and the dramatic scenes. That strong association with Rimsky-Korsakov’s style makes it the best choice to identify him as the composer.

A Midsummer Night's Dream belongs to Felix Mendelssohn, known for his incidental music to Shakespeare’s play, not Rimsky-Korsakov. The Surprise Symphony is by Joseph Haydn, famed for its unexpected dynamic shocks. A Night on Bald Mountain is originally by Mussorgsky, though Rimsky-Korsakov later arranged it for orchestra; the original composer is Mussorgsky, not Rimsky-Korsakov.