Composer

:

Modest Mussorgsky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1874 - 1880

Average_duration

:

2:54

"Sorochintsï Fair" is an opera composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1874. The plot is based on a short story by Nikolai Gogol, which tells the story of a Ukrainian village fair. The opera is divided into four acts and features a large cast of characters, including the wealthy landowner Cherevik, his daughter Parasya, and the mischievous devil, Cherevik's servant, Gritsko, and the village priest. The first act opens with the villagers preparing for the fair, with Cherevik and his daughter Parasya arriving in their carriage. Gritsko, who is secretly in love with Parasya, tries to impress her by showing off his strength and agility. However, Cherevik is not impressed and orders Gritsko to work harder. In the second act, Gritsko makes a deal with the devil to win Parasya's heart. The devil agrees to help Gritsko, but in return, he must give up his soul. Gritsko agrees, and the devil transforms him into a handsome young man. In the third act, Gritsko, now known as the "handsome stranger," wins Parasya's heart and they plan to elope. However, Cherevik discovers their plan and forbids Parasya from leaving with Gritsko. In the final act, the devil comes to collect Gritsko's soul, but Parasya begs for his life. The devil agrees to spare Gritsko if Parasya can answer his riddles. Parasya successfully answers the riddles, and the devil is forced to leave empty-handed. "Sorochintsï Fair" premiered in 1880, six years after Mussorgsky's death. The opera was heavily revised by Rimsky-Korsakov, who added new music and changed the order of some of the scenes. The revised version premiered in 1886 and has since become the standard version of the opera. The music of "Sorochintsï Fair" is characterized by its use of Ukrainian folk melodies and rhythms. Mussorgsky's use of these elements was groundbreaking at the time and helped to establish a new style of Russian opera. The opera also features a large chorus, which is used to great effect in the lively fair scenes. Overall, "Sorochintsï Fair" is a charming and humorous opera that showcases Mussorgsky's unique musical style and his love for Ukrainian folk music.

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