Composer

:

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1901 - 1902

Publication Date

:

1902

First Performance

:

Dec 12, 1902

Average_duration

:

66:34

"Kashchey the Immortal" is an opera composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1902. The plot is based on a Russian fairy tale about the evil sorcerer Kashchey, who has achieved immortality by hiding his soul in a needle, which is hidden in an egg, which is hidden in a duck, which is hidden in a hare, which is hidden in an iron chest buried under an oak tree on an island. The hero of the opera is Prince Ivan, who falls in love with Kashchey's daughter, Princess Tsarevna. Kashchey captures Ivan and plans to kill him, but Tsarevna helps him escape. Ivan returns with an army and defeats Kashchey, breaking the spell of immortality and freeing Tsarevna from her father's control. The opera premiered on February 25, 1902, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was well-received by audiences and critics, and has since become a staple of the Russian opera repertoire. The music is characterized by Rimsky-Korsakov's signature use of colorful orchestration and folk-inspired melodies. The opera is divided into four acts, each with its own distinct musical style and mood. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the conflict between Ivan and Kashchey. The music is lively and energetic, with a folk-inspired dance for the villagers and a lyrical aria for Ivan. The second act takes place in Kashchey's palace, where Ivan is held captive. The music is dark and ominous, with dissonant harmonies and eerie orchestration. Kashchey's aria, in which he boasts of his immortality, is a highlight of the act. The third act is a love duet between Ivan and Tsarevna, set in a beautiful garden. The music is lush and romantic, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. The final act is a battle between Ivan's army and Kashchey's minions. The music is triumphant and heroic, with brass fanfares and driving rhythms. The final chorus, in which the people celebrate their victory over Kashchey, is a rousing conclusion to the opera. Overall, "Kashchey the Immortal" is a masterful example of Rimsky-Korsakov's skill as a composer and orchestrator. The opera's colorful characters, dramatic plot, and memorable music have made it a beloved part of the Russian opera tradition.

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