Opera "Prince Igor": a summary. "Prince Igor" - the opera of AP Borodin

The name of Alexander Borodin shines in the history of Russian music. His opera "Prince Igor" (the summary of which is considered in the article) was widely recognized. Until now, it is put on the opera stage. Her performances are perceived by the public with great success. Arias, Cavatines, etc. are often performed as separate numbers in concerts of classical music.

A. P. Borodin. "Prince Igor"

Alexander Porfirievich Borodin is a great Russian composer of the 19th century, a chemist-scientist. His name takes a worthy place in the history of musical culture. The well-known critic V. Stasov noted that the composer is tantamount to different genres: opera, symphony, romance. An ingenious musician, a talented scholar had also a literary talent.

Opera «Prince Igor» Borodin - a wonderful creation of the composer. He himself noted that his opera in the direction is closer to Ruslana and Lyudmila by Glinka, rather than to the "Stone Guest" of Dargomyzhsky. At the suggestion of V. Stasov, as a plot, he chose "The Lay of Igor's Host". In order to better feel the spirit of antiquity, Alexander Porfiryevich went to Putivl (near Kursk). There he carefully studied the ancient tales, chronicles, various studies about the Cumans, 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 the composition of music. He tried to focus on the people's epic features, rather than on the political facts of the original source. As a result, he was able to bring Igor's image closer to the epic heroes.

The idea of creating an opera, surprisingly the composer himself, was supported by all the members of the "Mighty Handful". Including MP Mussorgsky (realist and ultra-innovator) and NA Rimsky-Korsakov (an adherent of musical traditions).

Opera "Prince Igor" Borodin was created for eighteen years. She was interrupted by the sudden death of Alexander Porfirievich. Finished the work of Glazunov and Rimsky-Korsakov. Based on the composer's available materials, they wrote the score, processed a series of episodes and unfinished scenes. The premiere of the opera took place 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 collects warriors to march against the Polovtsians and protect the Russian land, the home of his native land, from enemy troops. The people solemnly glorify Prince Igor, exalt his son Vladimir, see them off with good words, wish them a speedy victory. Igor and his fighting squad go on a campaign. And then suddenly it grew dark, darkness enveloped the earth, a solar eclipse began. Boyars and all the people believe that this is a bad sign and persuade Prince Igor to back off from the undertaking. His wife Yaroslavna also begs her husband to stay. But in vain. He cares about his wife Vladimir Galitsky, Yaroslavna's brother. Skula and Eroshka (two warriors) desert and go to the service to Galitsky.

Characteristics of the first action

Opera «Prince Igor». Summary of the 1 st and 2 nd picture. I action

The prince Vladimir Galitsky is feasting together with his robed retinue behind the brigand's tables. Here, too, are the traitors of Skula and Eroshka, who in every way praise Galitsky. Vladimir was seized with a thirst for power. He wants to send Yaroslavna to the monastery, get rid of Igor forever and take his place. She sings "Just wait for me to honor."

In the courtyard there are alarmed girls. They beg Vladimir Galitsky to release their girlfriend from the theater, where her vigilantes took her. But he throws them out under the drunken laughter of the crowd. Skula and Eroshka plot a mutiny against Igor.

The second picture is transferred to the room in the room of Yaroslavna. It is very difficult and troubling in the soul of the princess. And day and night she is troubled by bad apprehensions and terrible dreams. She has not received news from Igor for a long time. It is surrounded by a lot of strife and confusion. Even the brother is hostile. Arioso Yaroslavna conveys her feelings.

Suddenly the girls entered with the words "We are to you princess" distract her from sad thoughts. They are looking for protection from Yaroslavna. But the princess is powerless. She calls for Galitsky's answer, but he dares and threatens with reprisals. In the final of the first action, boyars with bad news come.

At this time, Vladimir Galitsky arranges a mutiny. The Polovtsi are approaching Putiv.

Characteristic of the second action

Opera «Prince Igor». Summary II d

Polovtsian girls sing and dance try to distract and cheer the daughter of Khan Konchak. But she thinks only of the captive Vladimir. Cavatina Konchakovna conveys all her feelings. With excitement the girl is waiting for a date with the boy. Appears passionately in love with her Vladimir. They dream of a wedding. But Prince Igor does not want to hear about this either. Konchak agrees to give his daughter to marry a Russian prince. I can not sleep with Igor. He is seriously going through his defeat and can not reconcile himself to the thoughts of the captured homeland. Sings "No sleep, no rest to the exhausted soul." This, by the way, is the best and famous aria from the opera "Prince Igor". The offer of Ovlur about escape he rejects.

The Polovtsian khan accepts Igor as the dearest guest and offers him freedom for the promise not to raise the sword. But he does not accept Konchak's proposal. He firmly and resolutely declares his intentions to go to war with the freedom he has received. Courage, honesty and pride surprise and delight the khan. He arranges songs and dances.

Contents of the opera "Prince Igor". III action

From all sides the Polovtsians gather and wait for the arrival of Khan Gzak. He appears with his soldiers, Russian prisoners and prey. Konchak meets him. Prince Igor, Vladimir and other captives in the side observe what is happening.

Polovtsi march glorifies the khans. Proudly sings his song Konchak. Russian prisoners report that their city was captured, robbed, villages burned, children and wives in captivity. Vladimir and other prisoners persuade Prince Igor to flee with Ovlur and save Rus. Konchakovna begs Vladimir to stay. Khan leaves him alive and ready to take in his son-in-law.

Characteristic of the fourth action

IV e. Returns us to Putivl. Yaroslavna thinks she lost Igor forever and mourns him in the morning. Her aria is "Ah! I'm crying. " She turns to the sun, the wind and the Dnieper and asks her to return her beloved. The sad song of the villagers echoed the crying of the princess.

And suddenly Igor and Ovlur appear. Fortunately, there is no limit to Yaroslavna. At this time, Skula and Eroshka ridicule the prince who was captured, unaware of his return. A sudden meeting with Igor leads them astonished. They beat the bell and announce the arrival of the prince, in order to distract everyone's attention and avoid deserved punishment.

The people happily meet Igor and other princes.

Thus, the opera "Prince Igor" is a remarkable work by Alexander Borodin, which was completed by Glazunov and Rimsky-Korsakov. The idea of its creation was supported by all members of the "Mighty Handful". The composer himself wrote the libretto of the opera Prince Igor. The work consists of four actions. In the prologue, the first and fourth actions of the event take place in the Russian city - Putivle. The second and third carry us to the possessions of the Polovtsians, to the khan Konchak, his daughter and other characters of the hostile 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.