Composer

:

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1906 - 1907

Publication Date

:

1908

Average_duration

:

115:17

"Le Coq d'Or" is an opera composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1907. The plot is based on a fairy tale by Alexander Pushkin, and the libretto was written by Vladimir Belsky. The opera is divided into four acts and tells the story of King Dodon, who is advised by an astrologer to marry a queen to protect his kingdom from invasion. He chooses the beautiful Queen of Shemakha, who brings with her a magical golden cockerel that warns of danger. However, the king becomes obsessed with the queen and neglects his duties, leading to the invasion he was trying to prevent. The music of "Le Coq d'Or" is characterized by Rimsky-Korsakov's use of exotic and colorful orchestration, as well as his incorporation of Russian folk melodies. The opera features a large orchestra, including a prominent role for the percussion section, and a chorus that sings in both Russian and French. The vocal writing is challenging, particularly for the soprano who sings the role of the Queen of Shemakha, which requires a wide range and virtuosic coloratura passages. "Le Coq d'Or" premiered at the Moscow Private Opera on October 7, 1909, conducted by Serge Koussevitzky. The opera was well-received, and Rimsky-Korsakov considered it to be one of his best works. However, the political climate in Russia at the time was tense, and the opera was seen as a critique of the government. As a result, it was banned from performance until after the composer's death in 1908. Despite its initial success, "Le Coq d'Or" has not become as well-known as some of Rimsky-Korsakov's other works, such as "Scheherazade" and "The Flight of the Bumblebee." However, it remains a popular choice for opera companies and is admired for its colorful orchestration and imaginative storytelling.

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