The name of Alexander Porfirievich Borodin shines in the history of Russian music. His opera Prince Igor (a summary of which is discussed in the article) has received widespread recognition. Until now, she has been staged on the opera stage. Her productions are perceived by the public with great success. Arias, cavatins, etc. are often performed as separate numbers in classical music concerts.
A.P. Borodin, “Prince Igor”
Alexander Porfirievich Borodin is a great Russian composer of the 19th century, a chemical scientist, and a doctor of medicine. His name occupies a worthy place in the history of musical culture. The famous critic V. Stasov noted that different genres are equally subject to the composer: opera, symphony, romance. A brilliant musician, a talented scientist had literary talent.
The opera Prince Igor by Borodin is a remarkable work of the composer. He himself noted that his opera in the direction is closer to Glinka's Ruslan and Lyudmila than to Dargomyzhsky's Stone Guest. At the suggestion of V. Stasov, as a plot, he chose “The Word about Igor's Regiment”. In order to better feel the spirit of antiquity, Alexander Porfirevich went towards Putivl (near Kursk). There he carefully studied ancient tales, annals, various studies about the Polovtsy, the music of their ancestors, epic songs and epics.
The libretto of the opera Prince Igor was written by the composer himself in parallel with composing music. He tried to focus on the epic features of the people, rather than on the political facts of the original source. As a result, he was able to bring the image of Igor to epic heroes.
The idea of ​​creating an opera, to the surprise of the composer himself, was supported by all the members of The Mighty Handful. Including M.P. Mussorgsky (realist and ultra-innovator) and N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov (adherent of musical traditions).
The opera "Prince Igor" Borodin was created over eighteen years. She was interrupted by the sudden death of Alexander Porfirevich. Completed the work of Glazunov and Rimsky-Korsakov. Based on the composer's materials, they wrote the score, processed a number of episodes and unfinished scenes. The opera premiered in St. Petersburg in 1890.
Overture. Prologue. Introduction
Opera "Prince Igor". Prolog Summary
Of the Russian princes, only Igor remained. From his hometown of Putivl, he gathers a army to go on a campaign against the Polovtsy and protect the Russian land, his native house from the enemy army. The people solemnly glorify Prince Igor, magnify his son Vladimir, accompany him with kind words on the road, and wish them a speedy victory. Igor and his fighting squad go on a campaign. And suddenly it got dark, darkness enveloped the earth, a solar eclipse began. The boyars and the whole people believe that this is a bad sign and persuade Prince Igor to abandon the campaign. His wife Yaroslavna also begs her husband to stay. But in vain. He transfers his wife's concerns to Vladimir Galitsky, brother of Yaroslavna. Skula and Eroshka (two warriors) deserted and transferred to the service of Galitsky.
Description of the first action
Opera "Prince Igor". Summary of the 1st and 2nd paintings. I action
Prince Vladimir Galitsky feasts together with his strolling retinue at the exorcism tables. Here are the traitors Skula and Eroshka, who praise Galitsky in every possible way. Vladimir was thirsty for power. He wants to send Yaroslavna to the monastery, get rid of Igor forever and take his place. Sings "If only I could wait for honor."
Alarmed girls appear in the yard. They beg Vladimir Galitsky to release their girlfriend from the tower where her combatants took them. But he drives them away under the drunken laughter of the crowd. Skula and Eroshka are plotting a rebellion against Igor.
The second picture takes to the upper room in the tower of Yaroslavna. Very difficult and anxious in the soul of the princess. And day and night she is troubled by bad premonitions and terrible dreams. She had not received news from Igor for a long time. She is surrounded by continuous discord and confusion. Even the sibling is hostile. Arioso Yaroslavna conveys her feelings.
Suddenly, the girls who entered with the words "We are the princess to you" distract her from sad thoughts. They are looking for protection from Yaroslavna. But the princess is powerless. She calls for an answer to Galitsky, but he is impudent and threatens with reprisal. In the finale of the first action, the boyars come with bad news.
At this time, Vladimir Galitsky riots. Polovtsy are approaching Putivl.
Characterization of the second action
Opera "Prince Igor". Summary II d
Polovtsian girls try to distract and amuse the daughter of Khan Konchak with songs and dances. But she only thinks of the captive guy Vladimir. Kavatina Konchakovna conveys all her feelings. With excitement, the girl is waiting for a date with the young man. Appears Vladimir passionately in love with her. They dream of a wedding. But Prince Igor does not even want to hear about it. Konchak agrees to give his daughter in marriage to the Russian prince. Igor cannot sleep. He is struggling with his defeat and cannot reconcile himself with thoughts of his captured homeland. Sings "No sleep, no rest tormented soul." This, by the way, is the best and famous aria from the opera Prince Igor. Ovlur’s offer to escape, he rejects.
The Polovtsian Khan accepts Igor as the most dear guest and offers him freedom for the promise not to raise his sword. But he does not accept Konchak’s offer. He firmly and decisively declares his intentions to go to war with the freedom received. Courage, honesty and pride amaze and delight the khan. He arranges songs and dances.
The contents of the opera Prince Igor. III action
Polovtsy gather from all sides and wait for the arrival of Khan Gzak. He appears with his warriors, Russian prisoners and prey. He is met by Konchak. Prince Igor, Vladimir and other prisoners on the side watching what is happening.
The Polovtsian march glorifies the khans. Proudly sings his song Konchak. Russian captives report that their city was captured, robbed, villages burned, children and wives captured. Vladimir and other prisoners persuade Prince Igor to flee with Ovlur and save Russia. Konchakovna begs Vladimir to stay. Khan leaves him alive and ready to take in-law.
Fourth action characteristic
IV d. Returns us to Putivl. Yaroslavna thinks that she lost Igor forever and mourns him in the morning. Her aria is “Ah! I am crying. ” She turns to the sun, wind and the Dnieper and asks to return her beloved. The woeful song of the villagers echoes the princess's lament.
And suddenly Igor with Ovlur appears. Fortunately, Yaroslavna has no limit. At this time, Skula and Eroshka ridicule the captured prince, not knowing about his return. A sudden meeting with Igor amazes them. They ring the bell and announce the arrival of the prince in order to divert general attention and avoid well-deserved punishment.
The people joyfully meet Igor and other princes.
Thus, the opera Prince Igor is a wonderful work by Alexander Porfirevich Borodin, which was completed by Glazunov and Rimsky-Korsakov. The idea of ​​its creation was supported by all members of the Mighty Handful. The libretto of the opera Prince Igor was written by the composer himself. The work consists of four actions. In the prologue, the first and fourth actions, the events take place in the Russian city - Putivl. The second and third transfer us to the possession of the Polovtsy, to Khan Konchak, his daughter and other characters of the enemy side. The premiere took place in St. Petersburg (on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater) in 1890, the opera was warmly received by the public.