Composer

:

Alexander Alyabyev

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

"Three Tens, or A New Two-Day Adventure" is an opera composed by Alexander Alyabyev in 1827. The plot revolves around the love triangle between the protagonist, Countess Vera, her husband, Count Vladimir, and her lover, Prince Alexei. The opera is set in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the 18th century. The first movement of the opera introduces the characters and their relationships. Countess Vera is unhappy in her marriage to Count Vladimir and seeks solace in the arms of Prince Alexei. The second movement sees the Count discovering the affair and confronting the Prince. The third movement is a duel between the two men, which ends with the Prince being wounded and the Count being arrested. The second act of the opera takes place in prison, where the Count is visited by his wife and the Prince. The Countess begs for her husband's forgiveness, while the Prince offers to take the blame for the duel. The final movement sees the Count pardoning the Prince and reconciling with his wife. The opera premiered on January 27, 1828, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Alyabyev's skillful use of melody and harmony. The opera's popularity led to several revivals throughout the 19th century, and it remains a beloved work in the Russian operatic repertoire. One of the characteristics of "Three Tens, or A New Two-Day Adventure" is its use of traditional Russian folk melodies. Alyabyev was known for his interest in folk music, and he incorporated many traditional tunes into his compositions. Another characteristic is the opera's focus on the emotions and relationships of the characters, rather than on grand spectacle or historical events. Overall, "Three Tens, or A New Two-Day Adventure" is a poignant and engaging opera that explores the complexities of love and loyalty. Its memorable melodies and relatable characters have made it a beloved work of Russian opera.

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