Procession of the Nobles
Procession of the Nobles comes from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Opera-Ballet Mlada written in 1890.
Mlada is engaged to be married to Yaromir but a jealous woman Voyslava murders her. With the help of Morena, the Goddess of the Underworld, Voyslava seduces Yaromir into loving her instead.
The spirit of Mlada eventually intervenes in Voyslava’s intentions and Mlada manages to entice Yaromir to a Witches’ Sabbath, where he is shown images of Voyslava committing the murder.
Yaromir confronts Voyslava, where she admits her guilt and commits suicide. The Goddess of the Underworld is disappointed with the girl’s weakness and sets out to destroy Yaromir who, through death, is finally reunited with Mlada in Heaven.
Procession of the Nobles or Procession of the Princes comes from Act II of the opera, where a midsummer festival is taking place and Mlada begins to intervene with Voyslava’s plans.
This stirring cortège has been skilfully arranged for Tuba Quartet by Denis Burton.