The entremet paired with "Flight of the Bumblebee," originally composed by Rimsky-Korsakov and transcribed for piano by Rachmaninoff, harmonizes delicious flavors with musical inspiration. This dessert features layers of cream cheese and mascarpone mousse sweetened with honey atop a lemon shortbread base, with tangy lemon curd and rich honey cremeux insert, all finished with a shiny mirror glaze. Balancing the sweetness of honey with tart lemon, it echoes the natural partnership celebrated in the lively composition. Adorned with a white chocolate band, piped white chocolate and honey ganache, and gum paste flowers, this entremet delights both visually and culinarily. "Flight of the Bumblebee" captures the buzzing energy through quick, intricate melodies, influencing the dessert's lively flavors and layered textures, blending culinary creativity with musical expression to celebrate nature's harmony and artistic inspiration.
The Melody
"Flight of the Bumblebee," composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1899–1900 as an interlude for his opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan," is renowned for its energetic and frenetic chromatic passages that vividly illustrate the rapid flight patterns of bumblebees. Originally intended to accompany the scene where Prince Gvidon flies away on a bumblebee turned into a magical insect, the piece has transcended its operatic origins to become one of classical music's most iconic and recognizable compositions. Its virtuosic and intricate melody has captivated audiences worldwide, finding its way into numerous adaptations and interpretations across various genres and media, solidifying its place in popular culture as a testament to Rimsky-Korsakov's mastery of orchestration and musical storytelling. The arrangement performed is arranged for piano by Rachmaninoff, adding a further layer of artistic interpretation to this beloved piece.
The Composer
Rimsky-Korsakov
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (18 March 1844 – 21 June 1908) was a Russian composer and a prominent member of "The Five," a group that included Balakirev, Mussorgsky, Borodin, and Cui. He was a master of orchestration and known for his nationalistic approach to music, often incorporating Russian folk music and lore into his compositions.
Born in Tikhvin, near St. Petersburg, Rimsky-Korsakov came from a noble family. He began composing at the age of 10 and took piano lessons, though he was initially indifferent toward them. Despite this, he developed a deep love for music. At the age of 12, he joined the Russian Imperial Navy and entered the School for Mathematical and Navigational Sciences in Saint Petersburg, graduating at 18.
During his time at sea, he composed his Symphony in E-flat minor, which occupied him while in the navy. By the age of 27, he became Professor of Practical Composition and Instrumentation at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. In 1871, with financial stability, he married Nadezhda Rimskaya, a pianist and composer.
During his tenure at the conservatory, he composed notable works such as "Capriccio Espagnol," the "Russian Easter Festival Overture," and the symphonic suite "Scheherazade," along with 15 operas.
Starting in 1890, Rimsky-Korsakov suffered from angina, and by 1907, his illness had become so severe that he could no longer work. He died in 1908 and was buried alongside other members of "The Five."
Rachmaninoff
Sergei Rachmaninoff, a towering figure in Russian classical music, epitomized the Romantic era with his opulent compositions, including iconic works such as the 2nd and 3rd piano concertos, celebrated for their sweeping melodies and technical brilliance, the hauntingly beautiful Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which explores themes of love and longing with unparalleled depth, and the emotionally resonant Symphony No. 2, known for its lush orchestration and profound lyricism. Born into a noble family, Rachmaninoff showed early musical promise and received rigorous training at the Moscow Conservatory. However, his career faced profound challenges, notably the harsh criticism and subsequent failure of his First Symphony, which triggered a deep creative crisis. It was only through the unconventional therapy of hypnotist Nikolai Dahl that Rachmaninoff regained his artistic confidence and began anew. Escaping the turmoil of the Russian Revolution in 1917, Rachmaninoff settled in New York, where he found acclaim as a pianist, captivating audiences with his profound interpretations of works by composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and his own compositions. Despite his success on stage, his output as a composer waned during this period. In later years, he sought tranquility in Beverly Hills, where he spent the remainder of his life with his wife, Natalia, until his passing in 1943. Rachmaninoff's legacy endures through his masterful compositions and his unparalleled contributions to the Romantic repertoire, forever leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music.
The Bite
Entremet
Entremet originally meant a small course between meals in Old French, but today it's evolved into a complex dessert with layers that demand perfection in taste and texture. These layers can range from mousse and cremeux to dacquoise and curd, all crowned with a luscious mirror glaze.
The entremet paired with "Flight of the Bumblebee" undeniably highlights the essence of honey and its close relationship with bees. The outer layer features a cream cheese and mascarpone mousse sweetened with honey, showcasing its natural sweetness. The base is a lemon shortbread biscuit, while the inserts consist of a tangy lemon curd and a luscious honey cremeux. The entire creation is elegantly finished with a mirror glaze.
This culinary masterpiece not only balances honey's sweetness with the tartness of lemon to create a harmonious flavor profile, but also pays homage to the incredible work of bees. Bees collect nectar from flowers and transform it into honey through a meticulous process involving enzymatic activity and evaporation within the hive. This honey is vital for the bees' sustenance and the overall health of the colony, especially during times when nectar is scarce.
In essence, the entremet captures the symbiotic relationship between bees and honey, reflecting the natural harmony found in this delightful pairing.
The Recipe
Honey and mascarpone cheesecake Recipe
20.6 gr egg yolk
70 gr honey
100 gr mascarpone
50 gr cream cheese
Tb lemon juice
6 gr gelatin leaf
300 gr heavy cream
Hydrate Gelatin Leaves: Submerge the gelatin leaves in a bowl of cold water and let them hydrate.
Prepare Double Boiler Mixture: In a double boiler, combine egg yolk, honey, mascarpone, cream cheese, and lemon juice. Melt the cheeses, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Incorporate Gelatin: Once the cheese mixture is melted, squeeze the hydrated gelatin leaves to remove excess water and add them to the cheese mixture, stirring until fully dissolved.
Whip Heavy Cream: While the cheese mixture is cooling, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
Fold Ingredients Together: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cooled cheese mixture until well combined.
Mold and Set: Transfer the final mixture into your desired mold and allow it to set.
Small town boy really lights it up in the Big City. Your talents are so amazing. Hits all the senses. In this case… sight, taste and hearing. I got “the feels” 🤣. I’m so Proud of you.
Phillip Carter
Once again, you have hit a home run with your musical and baking
abilities! Just beautiful playing and magnificent baking.
Who knew that bumblebees could be so appetizing? An intensely difficult- yet lovely- piece for an intensely difficult - yet lovely- dessert! Another home run, Jacob!