Scheherazade
Scheherazade is a symphonic suite written by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsokov in 1888. It is based off of the story One Thousand and One Nights, (also known as The Arabian Nights).
The Sultan vows to kill his wives in a spate of jealousy, but the wise Scheherazade aims to save herself from this unfair death. She tells the Sultan a fascinating story every night, but not the ending to entice him to keep her alive. It works, and after 1000 nights, he recants and weds her.
Sinbad the Sailor
Who doesn't love a good picture book, and even better, this picture book has music! Here is Sinbad the Sailor, one of the stories Scheherazade tells to the Sultan, with music from the Symphonie-Orchester Graunke.
Trip to the Symphony
This beautiful performance is by the Vienna Philharmonic at the Salzburg Festival in 2005. Keep your ears open for the iconic violin solo. It's our favourite part!
Play Along
The harp is an important part of Scheherazade! Make your own harp out of cardboard, blue and elastic bands. Switch out the knife for child-proof scissors if you want a child-proof craft. Enjoy!
While the ballet is wildly inappropriate for children of any age, the symphonic suite is child-friendly, beautiful, imaginative and inspiring!
