Summary Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky. Khovanshchina
Khovanshchina
A folk musical drama in five acts (six scenes)
Libretto by M. P. Mussorgsky
Characters:
Prince Ivan Khovansky, Chief of the Streltsy Prince Andrew Khovansky, his son Prince Vasily Golitsyn Dositheus, the head of the schismatics Boyarin Shaklovity Martha, schismatrix Susanna, the old schismatics Sublime Emma, a girl from the German settlement Pastor Varsonofiev, the approximate Golitsyna Kuzka, Sagittarius 1st Sagittarius 2nd Sagittarius 3rd Sagittarius Streshnev, boyarin | Bass Tenor Tenor Bass Baritone Mezzo soprano Soprano Tenor Soprano Baritone Bass Baritone Bass Bass Tenor Tenor |
Sagittarius,
Location: Moscow.
The period of validity: 1682 year.
PLOT
Red Square in Moscow. It’s brightening. Boyarin Shaklovity – the protege of Tsarevna Sophia – dictates the subodiacal denunciation of Peter: Prince Ivan Khovansky, the chief of the streltsy, planned to put his son on the throne and establish the old order in Russia. At the post, which streltsy put in memory of his recent victory, come strangers; they are horrified to find out about the brutal reprisal against boyars who are unwanted by the streltsi. Meanwhile, the streltsy welcome their leader – Ivan Khovansky. Immediately, the son of Prince Andrew, who pursues his love claims Emma, a girl from the German settlement. On its defense rises the schismatrix of Marfa, the recent beloved of Andrew. This scene finds the returning Ivan Khovansky. He really liked Emma, but Andrew is ready to kill her rather than give it to his father. The knife brought over the girl
The Cabinet of Prince Vasily Golitsyn is Chancellor and favorite of Princess Sophia. The prince is immersed in gloomy meditation, he is overcome by fear of the future. Appearing under the guise of a fortuneteller, Martha foretells the opal of the prince. Superstitious Golitsyn in confusion. To keep the prophecy in secret, he tells the servant to drown the fortune-teller. But Martha has time to hide. In the house of Golitsyn the opponents of Peter are gathering. The conversation between Golitsyn and Khovansky – hidden rivals who hate and fear each other, turns into a quarrel, which Dositheus stops. He urges them to humiliate prideful pride, to think about saving Rus. A thrilled Martha comes in. She talks about the attempt on her life and the wonderful salvation that came from the Petrovians. With alarm, the conspirators hear the name of Peter. But even more terrible news, brought Shaklovitym: King Peter learned of the conspiracy, branded him Khovanshchina and ordered him to finish.
Streletskaya Sloboda in the Zamoskvorechye. It is hard for Martha to betray Prince Andrew. Dositheus tenderly comforts her. Waking up drunk streltsy indulge in violent, reckless fun. He is interrupted by a frightened kid. The trouble has come: ruthlessly beating the inhabitants of the settlement, Peter’s reytars (hired horsemen) are approaching. Streltsy are stunned. They ask Khovansky to lead the regiments into battle. But, fearing Peter, the prince calls the streltsi to submit and go home.
Servant Golitsyna warns Khovansky, who hid in his estate near Moscow, that his life is in danger. Khovansky flashes with anger – who dares to touch him in his own patrimony? Shaklovity appears with an invitation from Princess Sophia to the secret council. Khovansky orders to give himself a dress. However, hardly the prince leaves the room, as Shaklovitoy’s mercenary hits him with a dagger.
Petr settles down and with other conspirators: Prince Golitsyn sent under escort to exile, the reyters given orders to surround the schismatic sketes. Only Andrei Khovansky does not know about the collapse of the conspiracy. He does not believe Martha, who informed him of this, and vainly blows a horn, calling his regiment. However, seeing the streltsy going to the execution, Andrei realizes that everything has died, and in fear he asks Martha to save him. Streltsy already bow their heads over the scaffolds, but at the last moment the boyar sent by Peter Streshnev announces a decree on pardon.
Glade in the remote forest. Moonlight night. In solitude, Dositheus mourns; he is aware of the doom of the schismatics and their responsibility for their fate. Filled with courageous determination, he appeals to the brethren with an appeal to burn in fire in the name of holy faith, but not surrender. The schismatics are ready to commit themselves to the burning. And when, breaking through the thicket, Pyotr’s soldiers burst into the clearing, they see the schismatic sketes enveloped in flames. Together with the brothers, Andrius, who was drawn into the fire by Martha, is dying, dreaming of joining with her beloved in death.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)