Composer

:

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1900 - 1901

Publication Date

:

1902

First Performance

:

Oct 1, 1902

Average_duration

:

1:27

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

The Tale of Tsar Saltan is an opera composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1899-1900. The libretto was written by Vladimir Belsky, based on the poem of the same name by Alexander Pushkin. The opera premiered on November 3, 1900, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The plot of the opera revolves around the story of Tsar Saltan, who is tricked by his jealous sisters-in-law into sending his wife and newborn son, Prince Gvidon, away to a deserted island. The prince grows up on the island with the help of a magical swan, who transforms him into a handsome prince. Meanwhile, Tsar Saltan is told that his wife and son have died, and he remarries. When Prince Gvidon comes of age, the swan helps him return to his father's kingdom, where he wins the heart of the beautiful Princess Swan-Bird. The jealous sisters-in-law are eventually exposed and punished, and Prince Gvidon and Princess Swan-Bird live happily ever after. The opera is divided into four acts, each with its own distinct musical style and character. The first act is a prologue, which sets the scene and introduces the main characters. The second act takes place on the deserted island, and features exotic and colorful music, including a famous flight of the bumblebee. The third act is set in Tsar Saltan's kingdom, and features grand choral and orchestral music, as well as a beautiful duet between Prince Gvidon and Princess Swan-Bird. The final act is a festive celebration of the happy ending, with lively dances and joyful music. The Tale of Tsar Saltan is known for its colorful orchestration, inventive harmonies, and use of folk melodies and exotic scales. Rimsky-Korsakov was a master of orchestration, and the opera features many virtuosic solos and ensemble passages for various instruments. The vocal writing is also notable for its lyricism and expressiveness, particularly in the arias and duets. Overall, The Tale of Tsar Saltan is a charming and whimsical opera, full of magic, romance, and adventure. It is one of Rimsky-Korsakov's most popular works, and remains a beloved part of the Russian operatic repertoire.

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