Composer

:

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1894 - 1895

Publication Date

:

1970

First Performance

:

Nov 28, 1895

Average_duration

:

72:11

"Christmas Eve" is an opera composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1895. The plot is based on a short story by Nikolai Gogol, "The Night Before Christmas," and is set in a Ukrainian village on Christmas Eve. The story follows the misadventures of a group of villagers as they prepare for the holiday festivities. The opera premiered on December 10, 1895, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and has since become a beloved holiday classic in Russia. The opera is divided into four acts, each with its own distinct musical style and character. The first act introduces the villagers and their preparations for Christmas, including the young couple Oxana and Vakula. Vakula is a talented artist who is in love with Oxana, but she is more interested in his rival, the wealthy and handsome Chub. In the second act, Vakula sets out on a journey to find the devil and ask for his help in winning Oxana's heart. He succeeds in capturing the devil, but is tricked into giving him his own soul in exchange for a pair of magic boots that will allow him to fly. The third act takes place at a party hosted by Chub, where Vakula uses his magic boots to fly to the moon and back, impressing the guests and winning Oxana's heart. However, the devil returns to claim Vakula's soul, and chaos ensues as the villagers try to save him. In the final act, Vakula is saved by the intervention of the church and the power of Christmas, and he and Oxana are reunited. The opera ends with a joyful celebration of the holiday and the triumph of love over greed and evil. "Christmas Eve" is known for its colorful orchestration, lively folk melodies, and intricate vocal writing. It is a showcase for the talents of the soloists, chorus, and orchestra, and is often performed as a concert piece during the holiday season. The opera's themes of love, faith, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of the operatic repertoire.

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