The opera Khovanshchina (a summary of which is presented in this article) is a folk musical drama by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky. It consists of five acts and six paintings. Such opera numbers are very famous from the opera: “Dawn on the Moscow River” (introduction); “The forces are secret, the forces are great (II action, the scene of the divination of Martha); “The little one came out” (III d., Martha’s song); “The Streletsky Nest is sleeping” (III c., Shaklovity’s aria); “Train Golitsyna” (intermission to IV d.); "Dance of the Persians" (IV d.).
The libretto of the opera Khovanshchina. Summary
Something fatal was weighing on Modest Petrovich Musorgsky.
None of his operas were completed by the composer himself. “Marriage”, “Boris Godunov”, “Sorochinskiy Fair” were completed and orchestrated by M. M. Ippolitov-Ivanov, N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov, C. A. Cui, D. D. Shostakovich and other composers. The opera Khovanshchina is no exception. It was completed and orchestrated by N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov.
The libretto was written by the composer himself. He took the historical events of 1682 as the basis of the plot. This was the short reign of Prince Ivan Khovansky in Moscow, which was appointed by Sophia after the Streltsy riot. At that time, Peter was ten years old. The composer, wanting to show the transfer of power from the princess to the new ruler, adds and skillfully interweaves the events of 1689. In music, he tries to convey forces hostile to Peter. It:
- Sagittarius, headed by Prince Ivan Khovansky.
- Favorite Sophia - Prince Golitsyn.
- Old Believers led by Dosifei.
Prince Khovansky wants to achieve royal power. Sagittarius is presented as a dark mass used in the interests of others. Old Believers are shown as courageous and fearless people who, for the sake of faith, are ready for self-immolation.
A large role in the development of action is assigned to the people. Choirs are very diverse. Individual images are rather brightly personified:
- Golitsyn is narcissistic and crafty.
- Ivan Khovansky - imperious and arrogant.
- Dosipheus is magnificent.
- Martha is passionate, strong, ready for a feat.
- Andrey Khovansky is weak and unsettled.
- Fedor Shaklovity - patriotic.
- Kuzka is a reckless and cheerful young Sagittarius.
- The clerk is self-serving and cowardly.
Description of the first action
Opera "Khovanshchina". Summary I d.
In Moscow, on Red Square, there is a stone pillar on which there are copper boards with inscriptions. On the right is Podyachy’s booth. The opera begins with the orchestra introduction "Dawn on the Moscow River". To the sounds of this excellent symphonic picture, the inhabitants of the Kremlin wake up, the life of archers, Kuzka and other inhabitants is shown. The Scribe appears and sits down in his booth. Boyar Fedor Shaklovity comes to him with a proposal to scribble a denunciation, warning at the same time about the punishment if he blabs.
The clerk craves pay and without hesitation agrees. They make a denunciation to Peter on the Khovansky, after which Shaklovity is removed from the scene. People come and asks to read the inscriptions on the recently appeared post. The clerk rudely refuses. But when people picked up and carried the box with him to the post, he agreed to read it. At this time, the sounds of trumpets are heard. This archers welcome Prince Ivan Khovansky. From the depths of the scene appears the figure of Andrei Khovansky. He approaches Emma and wants to hug her, but the girl refuses him. She accuses him of killing her parents and expelling her lover. The schismatic Martha stands up to protect Emma. Andrei rushes at her with a knife, but a brave girl gives him a rebuff. Prince Ivan of Khovansky appears. Because of the ladies, father and son begin to behave like rivals. Andrei, in anger, wants to kill Emma and swings at her with a knife. His hand is intercepted by the incoming Dosifei. He sings his mournful monologue “Rip Time”.
Action two
Opera "Khovanshchina". Summary II d.
Prince Golitsyn in his office reads a love letter from Sophia. He is overcome by a sense of anxiety for the future. The nobleman Varsonofyev comes to him and says that the pastor insists on him. He asks to stand up for Emma and build a church in the German settlement. Golitsyn denies him two requests. Varsonofiev reappears and talks about the arrival of the sorceress. This came Martha in the guise of a fortuneteller. Fortune-telling scene begins. Sounds famous aria "Secret forces." The girl predicts disgrace to him. The superstitious prince is afraid that she will slip out and orders the servant to drown her. Martha overhears their conversation and hides. Suddenly, Ivan Khovansky enters Golitsyn. There is a dispute between them. In the midst of a quarrel, Dosifei appears and persuades the princes to make peace. The choirs of the people sound. Suddenly Martha runs in and asks Golitsyn to have mercy on her. Dositheus addresses her with words of comfort.
Behind the stage, the voices of Petrovtsy are heard.
Briefly third action
Opera "Khovanshchina". Summary III d.
The choir of schismatics sounds. They sing a fanatical hymn. The figure of Martha stands out from the crowd. She sings a lyric song, "Outcome is young." Dositheus calms her. On the other side of the scene is Fedor Shaklovity. He sings "Sleeping Archery Nest." Drunken archers awaken and continue to have fun. Wives run in and scold them. Behind the scene is heard the cry of the Podyach. He appears and says: "Trouble, trouble, the Reuters are close." Frightened archers are called Ivan Khovansky and are eager for battle. But he declares: "Tsar Peter is terrified." And leaves.
Fourth action characteristic
Summary of the opera Khovanshchina. 1 picture IV d.
The mansions of Prince Ivan Khovansky. A rich refectory. Prince at the dinner table. Peasant women entertain him with songs and dances.
Before this, Golitsyn warned Ivan of the impending danger. But he did not believe him. Khovansky tells him to give him various dishes and orders the girls to dance. Shaklovity appears and reports that Sophia calls him for secret advice. The prince does not want to go at first. He is offended by the princess. But still he orders to bring him clothes. When Ivan Khovansky leaves, Shaklovity’s mercenary kills him. He utters a terrible scream and falls dead. Peasant women scatter. Shaklovity is filled with laughter.
Summary of the opera Khovanshchina. 2 picture IV d.
The scene is the square in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. Reuters are taking Golitsyn into exile. Martha appears. Dosifei asks her to take Andrei back. She agrees. Andrei Khovansky asks Martha about Emma, ​​does not believe what is happening. When he sees with his own eyes archers, then he realizes that he was mistaken. He begs to save him. Transfiguration Regiment of Peter sent to the Kremlin.
Action five
Mussorgsky Opera "Khovanshchina." Summary V d.
Dositheus enters slowly. He is very thoughtful. He is overcome by a sense of grief for the doom of the schismatics. He does not want to surrender to enemies and urges everyone to burn for faith at the stake. Martha saved Andrey from Petrovtsy at that time. But now their death is inevitable. She tells him to get ready for her. Martha makes a fire from her candle.
She is determined and not afraid to die for faith. Guardsmen of Peter appear in the clearing, they see the flame. Martha, Andrei, Dosifei and other schismatics are burned in the fire. The alien people are looking at the fire and mourning about Russia.
Thus, Mussorgsky’s opera Khovanshchina reflects the historical events of past years. Researchers compare this piece of music with a huge mural. The composer was able to show the catastrophe of what is happening through the grotesque, symbolism and irrationality. There are no main characters. None of them are shown for a long time. Here integrity is important, the general idea.