Composer

:

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1876 - 1898

First Performance

:

Oct 10, 1901

Average_duration

:

94:56

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's opera 'The Maid of Pskov' was composed in 1872-1873 and premiered on February 27, 1873, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The libretto was written by the composer's brother-in-law, Modest Mussorgsky, based on a historical legend about a young woman named Olga who was accused of treason and executed in the 16th century. The opera is set in the city of Pskov, which is under siege by the Lithuanian army. The governor of the city, Prince Ivan, is in love with Olga, a beautiful young woman who is engaged to a local merchant, Grigory Gryaznoy. Gryaznoy is jealous of Ivan's affection for Olga and plots to ruin her reputation by spreading rumors that she is a traitor. He also hires a sorceress, Lyubasha, to help him carry out his plan. As the siege continues, Olga is accused of treason and sentenced to death. Ivan tries to save her by offering to marry her, but she refuses, preferring to die with her honor intact. In the end, Gryaznoy confesses to his plot and Olga is exonerated, but it is too late to save her life. She dies in Ivan's arms, and he is left to mourn her loss. The music of 'The Maid of Pskov' is characterized by Rimsky-Korsakov's use of Russian folk melodies and his skillful orchestration. The opera features several memorable arias, including Olga's haunting "Song of the Viking Guest" and Lyubasha's passionate "I Have Sinned." The score also includes several choral numbers, such as the stirring "Glory to the Heroes of Pskov." Despite its initial success, 'The Maid of Pskov' fell out of favor in the years following its premiere. Rimsky-Korsakov revised the opera in 1892, but it was not until the 20th century that it began to regain popularity. Today, it is considered one of the composer's most important works and is regularly performed in opera houses around the world.

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