Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolay Andreyevich (18 March 1844, Tikhvin; 21 June 1908, St. Petersburg), composer, displayed a precocious interest in music and began to study the painoforte at age six. The aristrocratic standing of his family in Russian society did not permit him to pursue a career in music, however, and he entered the Naval College at St. Petersburg in 1856. The cadet remained in the navy between 1856 and 1862, but he became friendly with César Cui , Alexander Borodin , and Modest…