The name of the composer Alexander Porfirievich Borodin shines in the history of Russian music. Recognition was given to his opera "Prince Igor". She does not leave the stage to this day. The performances are perceived by the audience with great success. Cavatina and arias from the piece are performed as separate numbers in classical music concerts.
The great Russian musician Borodin was also a talented chemist. He succeeded in various genres. He became the author of many wonderful works. The genius scientist and composer had a literary gift.
History of creation
The idea of writing to the composer was proposed by the critic Stasov in 1869. Borodin set to work with interest. However, in 1870 he interrupted his work. He realized that he would not be able to complete the writing of such a significant work, since he combined work with scientific activity and teaching. The materials already written were partially included in his "Heroic Symphony".
Borodin returned to the creation of the opera again in 1874. The plot of the famous opera was "The Lay of Igor's Campaign", an example of Old Russian literary creativity. It narrated about the unsuccessful campaign of Igor Svyatoslavovich against the Polovtsians.
Wanting to fully experience the old days, the composer went to Putivl, located near Kursk. He studied ancient chronicles and stories there for a long time, read studies about the Polovtsians, listened to their music, epics.
Borodin independently wrote the libretto of the composition simultaneously with the creation of music for him. The author made an emphasis on the folk-epic aspects. As a result, the image of Igor came as close as possible to the epic heroes.
It took eighteen years to create the opera. The work was interrupted by the sudden death of the author. His creation was completed by Rimsky-Korsakov and Glazunov. The score was completed on the basis of the remaining working materials of Borodin. In 1890 the premiere of the grandiose work took place.
Prologue
The composition begins with an introduction. Of the Russian princes in 1185, Igor was the only one left. He gathers his army in his native Putivl, wishing to protect his native land from enemy raids, goes on a campaign against the Polovtsi.
The people solemnly affix their ruler and dignify the prince, his son Vladimir. Igor is seen off on his way with good wishes of a speedy return home with victory.
The wife of Prince Yaroslavna begs her husband to change the time of the speech. However, the commander decided to continue what he had begun. He entrusts the care of his wife to her brother, Prince Galitsky, Vladimir.
Suddenly everything around darkens, the earth is shrouded in darkness. A solar eclipse begins. The people consider what is happening as a bad omen.
Having received the Elder's blessing, Igor sets out with an army on a campaign. Two warriors leave the army imperceptibly. These are the defected Eroshka and Skula. They flee, deciding to serve Prince Galitsky.
First act
The new prince is feasting. At the tables lined with food, he sits with an overpowered retinue. Together with him and the defectors Eroshka and Skula. Two former warriors amuse those present with buffoonery tricks and extol the new master in every possible way.
Vladimir dreams of power, its expansion. He decides to get rid of Igor forever, firmly taking his place as ruler. The agitated girls who appeared in the courtyard beg the prince to release their friend, who had been kidnapped by his vigilantes. However, the beggars are driven away to the laughter of the drunken crowd.
The deserters Skula and Eroshka are plotting to revolt against Igor. The following picture begins in Yaroslavna's tower. The princess is anxious at heart, it is hard for her. A loyal spouse is constantly haunted by misgivings. She has terrible dreams. There has been no news from the prince for a long time.
The princess was surrounded by unrest. Even her brother does not hide hostility towards her. The girls who entered the upper room distract the princess from her sorrowful thoughts. She asks Yaroslavna for protection. However, the princess herself is powerless here. She turns to Galitsky, trying to hold him accountable. He defies his sister and threatens her with violence. The enraged princess drives her brother away.
Boyars come to her with disappointing news. At the same time, Galitsky raises a mutiny. Polovtsian troops are approaching Putivl. Boyars are preparing to defend the city.
Second action
Igor, meanwhile, languishes in enemy captivity. The second act begins in the chambers of the daughter of Khan Konchak. The girls try to cheer her up, distract her with their dances and songs from sad thoughts. But Konchakovna cannot forget about the captive prince Vladimir.
The girl is anxiously waiting for a date with her lover. Vladimir, who is in love with the princess, appears. Both dream of an early wedding. Khan agrees to marry his beloved daughter to a Russian prince. About this, however, his father, Prince Igor, does not want to hear. He cannot sleep.
The ruler is going through his own defeat hard, unable to come to terms with the thoughts of the seizure of the homeland by enemies, thinking about his beloved wife. He sings "No sleep, no rest for a tormented soul." This aria is recognized as the best in the opera. Polovtsian Ovlur invites the prince to organize an escape. However, proud Igor rejects his offer: the prince was well received by his winner.
The guest Konchak promised freedom for the fact that the vanquished would not raise a sword against the Polovtsy in the future. However, the prince cannot accept the offer of the enemy. He decisively and firmly declares his intention to start a new campaign immediately after gaining freedom. The honesty and courage of the prisoner evoke admiration in the khan. In honor of the noble guest, he arranges noisy dances with songs.
Third action
The assembled Cumans await the arrival of Khan Gzak. He appears along with the army and leads captive opponents, brings rich booty. Konchak himself meets him. Standing at a distance, Igor with Vladimir and other prisoners is watching with bitterness what is happening. The winners are glorified by the Polovtsian march.
As if emphasizing the drama, the song proudly sung by Konchak sounds. The new captives sadly report that the city has been plundered, the villages have been burnt, and the children and wives are in the power of the victors. Together with the prince, the captives implore the prince to flee with Ovlur to save the country. Igor agrees to escape.
Ovlur brings prepared horses for the prince and his son and for himself. Vladimir begs to stay with her Konchakovna, who had time just before their departure. She informs her beloved that the father is graciously disposed towards him and agrees to accept him as a son-in-law. The prince hesitates.
The girl raises the alarm, calls the Polovtsians. Ovlur and Igor manage to escape, Vladimir is captured. The Polovtsi demand his execution, but Konchak decided to speed up the wedding. He informs the prisoner about this.
Fourth act
The action begins in Putivl. Yaroslavna suffers, thinking that she will never see her husband again. She mourns him. The princess turns to the forces of nature with a request to return her beloved. With the cry of Yaroslavna, the sorrowful song of the villagers merges.
Ovlur and Igor suddenly appear. There is no limit to the happiness of the princess. At this time, unsuspecting Eroshka and Skula make fun of the prince. They do not know that the master has returned. Both are amazed at the sudden meeting with the ruler.
They hastily ring the bells announcing the arrival of the prince. Both want this to avoid the punishment they deserve, diverting everyone's attention from their betrayal. Igor and other rulers are welcomed by the people.
The idea of creating a grandiose epic work by Alexander Porfirievich Borodin, completed by Glazunov and Rimsky-Korsakov, was supported by all Russian composers who are part of the "Mighty Handful".
The libretto was created by the composer himself. The work consists of four parts. In the introduction, the first and fourth acts, events unfold in the ancient Russian city of Putivl. The second and third take place in the Polovtsian possessions, where the heroes of the hostile Igor side dominate.
The first production took place on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg with great success. The opera was received very warmly by the audience.
