Rimsky-Korsakov composed the music for the four-act opera-ballet Mlada 1889-1892. The libretto (the story and the words to be sung) was written by Viktor Krylov based on a text from Slavic mythology set in the 9th or 10th century. The opera was first performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1893. It was relatively unsuccessful, due to its large cast and stage requirements. Afterwards, Rimsky-Korsakov arranged five of the numbers as a popular symphonic piece. The last piece in the suite is the “Procession of the Nobles.” The symphonic version of “Procession of the Nobles” is a grand march that features an opening brass fanfare to announce the entry of the nobles, prominent leaders like kings and sultans. The upper woodwinds are prominent throughout the piece. At the end, a powerful conclusion marks the end of the procession.
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