Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was a Russian composer and music teacher, born on March 18, 1844. He is best known for his orchestral works and operas, which often incorporate elements of Russian folk music. Rimsky-Korsakov was a member of the group known as the Mighty Handful, a collective of composers who sought to create a distinctly Russian style of classical music. Rimsky-Korsakov's most famous compositions include the symphonic suite Scheherazade and the opera The Golden Cockerel. He also contributed significantly to the development of orchestration techniques, influencing many composers who followed him. He passed away on June 21, 1908.