Composer

:

Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomizhsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

2:44

"Chervyak" is a one-act opera composed by Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomizhsky. It premiered on February 4, 1868, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The libretto was written by the composer himself, based on a short story by Ivan Turgenev. The opera consists of three movements, each depicting a different scene in the life of the protagonist, Chervyak. The first movement takes place in a tavern, where Chervyak is drinking and singing with his friends. The second movement is set in a forest, where Chervyak is hunting with his dog. The final movement takes place in Chervyak's home, where he is visited by a group of peasants who ask him to lead them in a rebellion against their landlord. The music of "Chervyak" is characterized by its simplicity and folk-like quality. Dargomizhsky was known for his use of Russian folk melodies in his compositions, and "Chervyak" is no exception. The opera is scored for a small orchestra, with prominent use of the balalaika, a traditional Russian stringed instrument. The character of Chervyak is a typical Russian peasant, portrayed as a hard-drinking, rough-hewn man with a heart of gold. He is a beloved figure in his village, known for his singing and his hunting skills. However, he is also a man of strong convictions, and when the peasants come to him with their request for help, he agrees to lead them in their rebellion. Overall, "Chervyak" is a charming and lighthearted opera that captures the spirit of rural Russia in the 19th century. Its simple melodies and rustic setting make it a beloved work in the Russian operatic repertoire.

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