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"Scheherazade, Op. 35" is a symphonic suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1888. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic piece:

1. Inspiration from "One Thousand and One Nights": Rimsky-Korsakov drew inspiration from the collection of Middle Eastern folk tales known as "One Thousand and One Nights" or "Arabian Nights." The composer took the character of Scheherazade, the storyteller queen, as the focal point for the work.

2. Programmatic Composition: "Scheherazade" is a programmatic composition, meaning that it tells a story or describes a series of events. Each movement of the suite corresponds to a tale from "One Thousand and One Nights."

3. Character Themes: Rimsky-Korsakov assigned specific musical themes to represent different characters in the story. Scheherazade herself is represented by a solo violin, and the Sultan is represented by a powerful and recurring motif played by various instruments.

4. Exotic Orchestration: The composer used a rich and colorful orchestration to evoke the exotic and fantastical atmosphere of the tales. The orchestration includes instruments like the clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, and various percussion instruments to create the Middle Eastern flavor.

5. Scheherazade's Violin Solos: The violin solos, representing Scheherazade's storytelling, are a prominent and virtuosic part of the composition. These solos are challenging for the violinist and contribute to the overall allure of the work.

6. Controversial Ending: The ending of "Scheherazade" is somewhat controversial. In the final movement, titled "The Festival at Baghdad - The Sea - The Ship Breaks against a Cliff Surmounted by a Bronze Horseman," Rimsky-Korsakov includes a musical representation of a shipwreck. Some critics have found the ending abrupt and unexpected, while others appreciate its dramatic impact.

7. Debuted in St. Petersburg: The premiere of "Scheherazade" took place in St. Petersburg on November 3, 1888. Rimsky-Korsakov conducted the orchestra himself.

8. Rimsky-Korsakov as a Master Orchestrator: "Scheherazade" showcases Rimsky-Korsakov's mastery of orchestration. He was known for his skills in orchestrating music, and this piece is considered one of his finest achievements in that regard.

9. Influence on Later Composers: The vivid storytelling and exoticism of "Scheherazade" have influenced many later composers, including Maurice Ravel and Ottorino Respighi. Ravel, in particular, admired Rimsky-Korsakov's orchestration techniques.

"Scheherazade" remains one of Rimsky-Korsakov's most famous and frequently performed works, celebrated for its lush orchestration and captivating narrative structure.