Music with Ease > Classical Music > Concert Guide: Nationalist Era > Overture, "Russlan and Ludmila" - Glinka

The introduction to the second of Glinka’s operas, "Russlan and Ludmila" (or "Ruslan and Lyudmila") begins with fortissimo chords in full orchestra. The first theme appears in the violins, violas and flute, accompanied by all the other instruments. After a brilliant episode in the woodwinds with string pizzicato accompaniment, and other subsidiary passages, the second theme appears -- a graceful melody in the violas, cellos and bassoon. It is then taken up fortissimo by full orchestra and prepares the way for the concluding theme. After a short, free fantasie, the first theme reappears in the strings and introduces the third section of the overture, in which the second and concluding themes are treated. The Coda, based upon the first theme, is very brilliant and is enriched by a bell-like effect produced in the brasses.