Eminent Russian composer (1844–1908) best known for such brilliantly orchestrated works as Scheherazade and for operatic staples like Sadko, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, and The Golden Cockerel. Original Russian carte-de-visite photo, 2.5 x 4, signed in ink (in Russian) on the reverse “N. R. Korsakov” with an additional inscription and the date 1894. In very good condition, with mild soiling and a few minor surface marks to image side, and scattered light brushing and soiling to signed side (affecting opening part of inscription), slightly irregular ink flow to last name of signature, and areas of moderate contrast against some printed text.
Rimsky-Korsakov had been composing his opera Christmas Eve in 1894, a duty that fell to him following the death of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in late 1893. Ironically, Korsakov was himself in the midst of a creative drought brought about by depression following the deaths of his mother and two young daughters, and severe illnesses suffered by his wife and son. The opera’s success restored his creativity, with his willingness to sign this autograph perhaps a precursor to the good fortunes that were in his future. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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