Composer

:

Anton Arensky

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1888

First Performance

:

Jan 2, 1891

'Dream on the Volga' is an opera composed by Anton Arensky in 1891. The plot revolves around the love story of two young people, Olga and Yuri, who live in a small village on the banks of the Volga River. Olga is the daughter of a wealthy merchant, while Yuri is a poor fisherman. Despite their different social backgrounds, they fall in love and dream of a life together. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct movement. The first act introduces the characters and their world, as well as the conflict between Olga's father and Yuri's family. The second act sees the lovers separated, with Olga forced to marry a wealthy suitor chosen by her father. Yuri, heartbroken, turns to drink and falls into a deep sleep, where he dreams of a better life with Olga. The third act sees the lovers reunited, but their happiness is short-lived as Olga's husband discovers their affair and seeks revenge. 'Dream on the Volga' is characterized by its lush, romantic score, which draws heavily on Russian folk melodies and traditional music. The opera is also notable for its use of leitmotifs, recurring musical themes that represent different characters and emotions. The music is often described as evocative and emotional, with a strong sense of nostalgia and longing. The opera premiered in Moscow in 1892 to critical acclaim, and quickly became one of Arensky's most popular works. It was praised for its beautiful music and touching story, as well as its depiction of Russian life and culture. Despite its success, however, 'Dream on the Volga' has fallen somewhat into obscurity in recent years, and is now rarely performed outside of Russia. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved work of Russian opera, and a testament to Arensky's talent as a composer.

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