Composer Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov

The music is a selection from Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic suite Sheherazade, which was inspired by the Arabian Nights. Although not originally performed with spoken commentary, the narrator provides children an insight into the kaleidoscope of fairy tale images and an understanding of different themes woven into the music. The narration comes before the music, and explains what is happening at that point in the ballet.

King Shahryar kills a new wife every night, before she can stop loving him. But new bride Shahrazad has a clever plan to save herself. Her nightly stories are so exciting that King Shahryar finds himself postponing her execution again and again.

Performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra.