Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was a Russian composer and a key member of The Five, a group focused on developing a unique Russian classical style. He is celebrated for his vibrant orchestral pieces, such as Scheherazade, Capriccio Espagnol, and the Russian Easter Festival Overture, along with many operas. His music often features fairy-tale, folk, and exotic themes, a style known as musical orientalism. Initially, Rimsky-Korsakov had limited formal training but was influenced by Mily Balakirev and his fellow composers. In 1871, he became a professor at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he recognised his technical weaknesses and dedicated himself to studying harmony and orchestration. This self-study allowed him to blend nationalist ideas with Western techniques, earning him fame for his orchestration skills. He also served in the Russian navy, enhancing his knowledge of instruments. In 1905, he supported student protests and faced dismissal. His opera The Golden Cockerel faced censorship. He died in 1908, leaving a lasting impact on Russian classical music and its identity.