In the history of Russian music, the name of the composer Alexander Porfirevich Borodin shines. Recognition received his opera "Prince Igor." She still does not leave the stage. The performances are perceived by the listeners with great success. Cavatina and arias from the work are performed as separate numbers in classical music concerts.
The great Russian musician Borodin was also a talented scientist and chemist. He succeeded in various genres. He became the author of many beautiful works. The ingenious scientist and composer had a literary gift.
History of creation
The critic Stasov proposed the idea of writing to the composer in 1869. Borodin set to work with interest. However, in 1870, creativity was interrupted. He realized that he could not finish writing such a significant work, as he combined work with scientific activity and teaching. Already written materials were partially included in his "Athletic Symphony".
Borodin returned to the creation of the opera again in 1874. The plot of the famous opera was The Word of Igor's Campaign, an example of ancient Russian literary work. It described the unsuccessful campaign of Igor Svyatoslavovich against the Polovtsy.
Wishing to fully feel the antiquity, the composer went to Putivl located near Kursk. He studied ancient chronicle and tales there for a long time, read research on the Polovtsy, listened to their music, epic.
Borodin independently wrote the libretto of the composition simultaneously with the creation of music for him. The author made an emphasis on the epic-folk aspects. As a result, the image of Igor came as close as possible to the epic-heroic ones.
It took eighteen years to create the opera. The work was interrupted by the sudden death of the author. Rimsky-Korsakov and Glazunov completed his creation. The score was supplemented based on the remaining working materials of Borodin. In 1890, the premiere of a grandiose work took place.
Prologue
The composition begins with an introduction. Of the Russian princes in 1185, only Igor remained. He collects the army in his native Putivl, wishing to protect his native land from enemy raids, goes on a campaign against the Polovtsy.
The people solemnly affix their ruler and glorify the prince, his son Vladimir. On the way, Igor is escorted with good wishes for a speedy return home with a victory.
The wife of Prince Yaroslavna begs her husband to change the time of the speech. However, the commander decided to continue what was started. He entrusts the care of the wife to her brother, Prince Galitsky, Vladimir.
Suddenly, everything around is getting dark, the earth is shrouded in darkness. A solar eclipse begins. The people consider what is happening a bad sign.
Having received the blessing of the Elder, Igor with the army goes on a campaign. Unnoticed, two warriors come out of the army. These are deserted Eroshka and Skula. They flee, having decided to serve Prince Galitsky.
First action
The new prince feasts. He sits at the tables set with dishes, along with his retinue. Together with him and the defectors Eroshka with Skula. Two former warriors amuse those present with clownish antics and extol the new overlord in every possible way.
Vladimir dreams of power, its expansion. He decides to get rid of Igor forever, firmly taking his place as ruler. Agitated girls appearing in the courtyard beg the prince to release their girlfriend kidnapped by his retainers. However, those who ask under the laughter of the intoxicating crowd are driven out.
Skul deserters with Eroshka are plotting a rebellion against Igor. In the tower of Yaroslavna the following picture begins. The princess is anxious in her soul, it’s hard for her. Bad forebodings constantly disturb the devoted spouse. She has terrible dreams. There is no news from the prince for a long time.
Around the princess continuous unrest. Hostility towards her is not hidden even by her own brother. The princess who entered the room is distracted from the sad thoughts by the princess. She is asking Yaroslavna for protection. However, the princess herself is powerless here. She turns to Galitsky, trying to call for an answer. He cheers on his sister and threatens her with reprisal. The angry princess drives her brother away.
With unfavorable news, the boyars come to her. At the same time, Galitsky revolts. Polovtsian troops are approaching Putivl. Boyars are preparing to defend the city.
Second action
Igor, meanwhile, languishes in enemy captivity. The second action begins in the chambers of the daughter of Khan Konchak. The girls are trying to cheer her up, distracting them with dances and songs from sad thoughts. But Konchakovna cannot forget about the captive prince Vladimir.
The girl anxiously awaits a date with her lover. A lover of princess Vladimir appears. Both dream of a speedy wedding. Khan agrees to give his beloved daughter for the Russian prince. However, his father, Prince Igor, does not want to hear about this. He cannot fall asleep.
The ruler is hard going through his own defeat, unable to come to terms with his thoughts about the capture of his homeland by enemies, he thinks about his beloved wife. He sings "No sleep, no rest tormented soul." This aria is recognized as the best in opera. Polovtsian Ovlur offers the prince to organize an escape. However, proud Igor rejects his offer: the winner was perfectly received by the prince.
Konchak promised freedom to the guest for the fact that the loser would not raise his sword against the Polovtsians in the future. However, the prince cannot accept the enemy’s proposal. He resolutely and firmly declares his intention to start a new campaign immediately after gaining freedom. Honesty and courage of the captive cause admiration in the khan. In honor of the noble guest, he arranges noisy dances with songs.
Third action
The assembled Polovtsy are awaiting the arrival of Khan Gzak. He appears with the army and leads captive opponents, brings rich prey. He is met by Konchak himself. 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 drama, the song proudly sung by Konchak sounds. The new captives bitterly report that the city was plundered, the villages were burned, and the children and wives were dominated by the victors. Together with the prince, the captives beg the prince to flee with Ovlur to save the country. Igor agrees to escape.
Ovlur brings prepared horses for the prince with his son and for himself. Vladimir prays for staying with her Konchakovna, who had time just before their departure. She informs her lover that the father is graciously disposed towards him and agrees to be adopted into son-in-law. The prince hesitates.
The girl raises the alarm, calls the Polovtsian. Ovlur and Igor manage to escape, Vladimir is captured. The Kipchaks demand his execution, but Konchak decided to expedite the wedding. He reports this to the captive.
