Modest Mussorgsky "Khovanshchina" Opera in 2 actsWe act as primary and secondary tickets reseller. The ticket prices may be lower or higher than the face value
Performed in Russian Premiere of this production: 18 Feb 2015 The performance has 1 intermission Running time: 3 hours 30 minutes The Stanislavsky Theatre, located in XIX century historical building just 750 metres (9-minute walk) from the Bolshoi, proudly presents Modest Mussorgsky’s monumental opera Khovanshchina — a true Russian musical drama. On stage you will see outstanding soloists, chorus, and orchestra members who have performed on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre and studied at the same world-renowned academies as Bolshoi artists. Their artistry, combined with Mussorgsky’s genius, makes this production of Khovanshchina a profound and unforgettable experience. Opera at the Stanislavsky Theatre is the great and affordable alternative to the Bolshoi. Mussorgsky called this work a “people’s musical drama,” and indeed, it stands as one of the most authentically Russian operas ever written. It is not built around a single hero, but around the fate of the nation itself — “suffering Mother Russia.” Against the backdrop of the Streltsy uprising of 1682 and the rise of Peter the Great, the opera reveals the conflict between old and new, faith and reform, East and West. Though left unfinished at the time of Mussorgsky’s death, the opera’s vast power was preserved through orchestrations by Rimsky-Korsakov and later by Dmitri Shostakovich, whose version is performed in this production. The finale was completed by contemporary composer Vladimir Kobekin, bringing a striking and modern resonance to this timeless work. The production premiered at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre in 2015 under the musical direction of Alexander Lazarev, one of Russia’s most renowned interpreters of opera. Stage direction is by Alexander Titel, with set design by Vladimir Arefiev and chorus master Stanislav Lykov. A masterpiece of Russian history, music, and spirit — brought to life in one of Moscow’s most acclaimed theatres. Golden Mask Award for Best Opera Performance (2016) SynopsisThe action takes place in Moscow and Zamoskvorechie in the XVII century. Scene One. Red Square. Dawn. Meanwhile, archers and Moscow folk welcome Ivan Khovansky, their leader. Son of Prince – Andrew – pursues with his amorous claims Emma, a girl from a German settlement. His last love, dissident Marfa, rises on her protection. Ivan Khovansky also liked Emma. In Khovansky's dispute for a girl it comes to a fight, but the head of dissenters Dosifej does not allow the tragedy to burst. Scene Two. The Cabinet of Prince Vasily Golitsyn – the chancellor and Sofia's former favourite. Prince is immersed in gloomy meditation, the fear of the future overcomes him. Under the pretext of a guessing Marfa warns the prince about forthcoming dangers and fast disgrace. Superstitious Golitsyn is in confusion. To avoid publicity, he orders to drown Marfa, but she manages to escape. Peter's opponents, Ivan Khovansky and Dosifej, gather for council at Golitsyn: they should agree with "division" of board in Russia. Dosifej stops the quarrel of contenders Golitsyn and Khovansky. He encourages them to restrain their arrogant pride, to think about saving Russia. The dissenters pass by Golitsyn's house, and Marfa comes running into the cabinet. Exposing Golitsyn, the girl tells how Peters people saved her from death. Appearance of Shalkovity is no good for the gathered: his message is terrible. King Peter has learnt about the plot, condemned Khovanshchina and ordered to find instigators. Scene Three. Streletsky settlement. Shalkovity sees himself as the elect which is on forces to relieve the country from infinite sufferings. For this purpose all means are good. Drunk riflemen indulge in violent fun. Their wives attack drunk husbands gone on a spree. Kuzka-archer "starts a song about gossip." Terrified Podyachy reports about trouble: Peter’s people and Reiters(hired riders) have attacked Streletsky settlement and they do not spare neither old, nor small persons. The charge against Khovansky pours out in revenge to his assistants – riflemen. Archers are stunned. They ask Khovansky to lead them in the fight against Peter’s people. But the fear of royal disgrace compels the prince to call archers to submit and go home. Scene Four. Ivan Khovansky's tower. Golitsyn's servant warns him about danger. Khovansky orders to whip him – nobody would dare to disturb the prince in his possession! The messenger of princess Sofia – Shaklovityj – invites the prince to Privy Council. Khovanskii dresses in ceremonial dress and goes to an exit under glorification of girls. On a threshold a dagger of the murderer hits prince. It is Shaklovityj eliminates competitors. Scene Five. The prediction of Marfa has come true – Golitsyn was sent into exile. The other opponents of Peter have also unenviable destiny: the execution of archers is already appointed on the Red Square and reiters are sent to a dissenting monastery. Andrew does not believe in a plot failure, but archers don’t respond on his trumpet call. Marfa tells him that his father – Ivan Khovansky – is killed. Seeing, as shots are conducted on execution, Andrew realizes that death is inevitable. In fear, he asks Marfa to save him. On Red Square boyar Streshnev is reading to already prepared for execution riflemen the order of prince Peter about the pardon. Scene six. Night near dissenting monastery. | |||||
