Principles of Orchestration

work by Rimsky-Korsakov

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June 17, 2026

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Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov's Principles of Orchestration is a foundational text for understanding how to write for orchestras. It was published posthumously in 1913, though Rimsky-Korsakov began teaching orchestration at the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1871.1

The book covers various aspects of instrumentation, including the characteristics of different instruments and how they can be combined effectively. It discusses how wind instruments, in particular, evolved to take on more soloistic roles and were used for coloring in compositions. Rimsky-Korsakov, a skilled composer known for his descriptive orchestrations, drew upon his extensive experience to create this influential manual. The work remains a key textbook for music students in Russia.21

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wind instrument
The Romantic period
In his Principles of Orchestration (1913; written 1896–1908), the Russian composer Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov developed the theory that the four basic woodwinds had a vast range of expression. At each end of the entire range were areas useful for their individual colour, and the instruments of smaller and…
Read More
In his Principles of Orchestration (1913; written 1896–1908), the Russian composer Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov developed the theory that the four basic woodwinds had a vast range of expression. At each end of the entire range were areas useful for their individual colour, and the instruments of smaller and…
Read More