Khovanshchina (Russian: Хованщина, Hovánščina, sometimes rendered The Khovansky Affair) is an opera (subtitled a 'national music drama') in five acts by Modest Mussorgsky. The work was written between 1872 and 1880 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The composer wrote the libretto based on historical sources. Although the setting of the opera is the Moscow Uprising of 1682, its main themes are the struggle between progressive and reactionary political factions during the minority of Tsar Peter the Great, and the passing of old Muscovy before Peter's westernizing reforms. The opera was unfinished and unperformed when the composer died in 1881. It received its first performance in the Rimsky-Korsakov edition in 1886. For other uses, see Opera (disambiguation). ... Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky (Russian: , Modest Petrovič Musorgskij, French: ) (March 9/21, 1839 – March 16/28, 1881), one of the Russian composers known as the Five, was an innovator of Russian music. ... Year 1872 (MDCCCLXXII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, English transliteration: Sankt-Peterburg), colloquially known as Питер (transliterated Piter), formerly known as Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991) and... Antonio Ghislanzoni, nineteenth century Italian librettist. ... A scene from the uprising: Natalia Naryshkina shows Ivan V to the Streltsy in order to prove that he is alive and well, while the Patriarch attempts to calm the crowd. ... Tsar (Bulgarian, Serbian and Macedonian цар, Russian  , in scientific transliteration respectively car and car ), occasionally spelled Czar or Tzar and sometimes Csar or Zar in English, is a Slavonic term designating certain monarchs. ... Peter I Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia Peter I (Pyotr Alekseyvich) (9 June 1672–8 February 1725 [30 May 1672–28 January 1725 O.S.1]) ruled Russia from 7 May (27 April O.S.) 1682 until his death. ... Muscovy (Moscow principality (княжество Московское) to Grand Duchy of Moscow (Великое Княжество Московское) to Russian Tsardom (Царство Русское)) is a traditional Western name for the Russian state that existed from the 14th century to the late 17th century. ... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov (Russian: Никола́й Андре́евич Ри́мский-Ко́рсаков), also Nikolai, Nicolai, and Rimsky-Korsakoff, (March 18, 1844 &#8211... Year 1886 (MDCCCLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Performance history

St. Petersburg Premiere (World Premiere)

• Date: 21 February (9 February O.S.), 1886
• Place: St. Petersburg
• Conductor: Goldshteyn (Goldstein)
• Version: Rimsky-Korsakov Edition
• Note: Amateur ensemble

Other Notable Performances is the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Old Style can refer to: Old Style and New Style dates, a shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar: in Britain in 1752, in Russia in 1918. ... Year 1886 (MDCCCLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, English transliteration: Sankt-Peterburg), colloquially known as Питер (transliterated Piter), formerly known as Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991) and...

Note: Rimsky-Korsakov Edition unless otherwise stated

• 1893, 27 October, St. Petersburg, artists of the Russian Opera Society
• 1897, 12 November, Moscow, Russian Private Opera, Solodovnikov Theater, conducted by Esposito, scenes by Konstantin Korovin, Apollinary Vasnetsov, Sergey Malyutin
• 1910, Moscow, Zimin Opera, conducted by Palitsīn, scenes by Matorin
• 1911, St. Petersburg, Mariinsky Theatre, conducted by Albert Coates, scenes by Korovin
• 1912, Moscow, Bolshoy Theatre, conducted by Pokhitonov, scenes by Korovin
• 1913, Paris, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, conducted by Emil Cooper (Kuper), Dyagilev production, additional material including new ending by Igor Stravinsky and Maurice Ravel, scenes by Fedorovsky
• 1913, London, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
• 1931, New York
• 1959, 23 May, conducted by Yevgeny Svetlanov, film by Stroyeva, Shostakovich Edition
• 1960, 25 November, Leningrad, Kirov Theater, conducted by Sergey Yeltsin, Shostakovich Edition, scenes by Fedorovsky

The Private Opera (Russian: Частная Опера), also known as: The Russian Private Opera (Русская Частная Опера); Moscow Private Russian Opera, (Московская Частная Русская Опера); Mamontovs Private Russian Opera in Moscow (Мамонтова Частная Русская Опера в Москве); Korotkovs Theatre (Театр Кроткова, 1885-1888); Vinters Theatre (Театр Винтера, 1896-1899); Private Opera Society (Товарищество Частной Оперы, 1899-1904); and Solodovnikov Theatre (Театр Солодовникова, from 1895; later used by Zimin opera, Moscow Operetta, and... Konstantin Alekseyevich Korovin (Russian: Константин Алексеевич Коровин) (November 23 (N.S. December 5), 1861, Moscow - September 11, 1939, Paris) was a Russian painter. ... Mikhail Nesterov: Portrait of Apollinary Vasnetsov. ... The Zimin Opera was founded by the Russian entrepreneur Sergei Zimin in Moscow, Russia in 1903. ... The Maryinsky (or Mariinsky) Theatre (or Theater), is the St Petersburg theatre where the Mariinsky Ballet is located. ... Albert Coates (April 23, 1882 – December 11, 1953) was an Anglo-Russian conductor and composer. ... Bolshoi Theatre The Bolshoi Theatre is a theatre and theater company in Moscow, Russia, which gives performances of plays, ballet, and opera. ... The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées is a Parisian theater, famous for being the place of the scandal related to the first performance of Igor Stravinskys Rite of Spring in 1913. ... Emil Albertovich Cooper, also known as Emil Kuper (December 13 [OS December 1], 1877, Kherson – November 16, 1960, New York) was a Russian conductor and violinist, of English ancestry. ... Portrait of Sergei Diaghilev by Valentin Serov (1904) Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (Russian: / Sergei Pavlovich Dyagilev), also referred to as Serge, (March 31, 1872 – August 19, 1929) was a Russian art critic, patron, ballet impresario and founder of the Ballets Russes from which many famous dancers and choreographers would later arise. ... Igor Stravinsky. ... Maurice Ravel. ... The present-day Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, sketched when it was new, in 1813. ... Evgeny Fyodorovich Svetlanov (September 6, 1928 - May 3, 2002) was a conductor and composer. ... The Maryinsky (or Mariinsky) Theatre (or Theater), is the St Petersburg theatre where the Mariinsky Ballet is located. ...

Instrumentation

Shostakovich Orchestration:

• Strings: Violins, Violas, Cellos, Double Basses
• Woodwinds: 2 Flutes, 1 Flute/Piccolo, 2 Oboes, 1 Oboe/English Horn, 2 Clarinets, 1 Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 1 Bassoon/Contrabassoon
• Brass: 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba
• Percussion: Triangle, Tambourine, Timpani, Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Cymbals, Tam-tam, Bells, Glockenspiel
• Other: Piano, Harp, Celesta
• On/Offstage: Unspecified numbers of Horns, Trumpets, Trombones

Roles and setting

Source: 100 Опер, Издательство «Музыка», Ленинград

Roles

Ivan Andreyevich Khovansky (Иван Андреевич Хованский) (ca. ... Streltsy (Стрельцы in Russian) were the units of Russian guardsmen (sl. ... A basso (or bass) is a male singer who sings in the lowest vocal range of the human voice. ... This article is about Tenor vocalists in music. ... Peter I permitted the Galitzines to take an emblem of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania as their coat of arms Galitzine, more correctly Golitsyn (Russian: Голицын), is one of the largest and noblest princely houses of Russia. ... In the context of Russian Orthodox church history, the Old Believers (Russian: ) separated after 1666 - 1667 from the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church as a protest against church reforms introduced by Patriarch Nikon. ... Fyodor Leontiyevich Shaklovity (Russian: Федор Леонтьевич Шакловитый) (? - October 11 (O.S. October 21), 1689, Moscow) was a Russian diplomat best known as a staunch adherent of the regent Sophia Alekseyevna, who had promoted him from a regular scrivener to a member of the Boyar Duma and okolnichy. ... For other uses, see Baritone (disambiguation). ... A mezzo-soprano (meaning medium soprano in Italian) is a female singer with a range usually extending from the A below middle C to the F an eleventh above middle C. Mezzo-sopranos generally have a darker (or lower) vocal tone than sopranos, and their vocal range is between that... This article is about the voice-type. ... Streltsy (Стрельцы in Russian) were the units of Russian guardsmen (sl. ...

Setting

• Time: The year 1682
• Place: Moscow

Historical Basis of the Plot

Like Mussorgsky's earlier Boris Godunov, The Khovansky Affair deals with an episode in Russian history, first brought to the composer's attention by his friend Vladimir Stasov. In this case, it concerns the rebellion of Prince Ivan Khovansky, his Old Believer followers, and the Streltsy, against Peter the Great, who was attempting to institute Westernizing reforms to the country. Ultimately, Peter succeeded, the rebellion was crushed and (in the opera, at least) Khovansky's followers committed mass suicide. I regard the people as a great being, inspired by a single idea. ... Stasov is a quintessential family of Russian intelligentsia. ... Ivan Andreyevich Khovansky (Иван Андреевич Хованский) (ca. ... A fragment of painting Boyarynya Morozova by Vasily Surikov depicting a defiant Old Believer arrested by Czar authorities in 1671. ... Streltsy (Стрельцы in Russian) were the units of Russian guardsmen (sl. ... Peter the Great or Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov (Russian: Пётр I Алексеевич Pyotr I Alekse`yevich, Пётр Великий Pyotr Veli`kiy) (9 June 1672 – 8 February 1725 [30 May 1672–28 January 1725 O.S.][1]) ruled Russia from 7 May (27 April O.S.) 1682 until his death, jointly ruling before 1696 with his...

Synopsis

Act 1 - Moscow, Red Square For other uses, see Red Square (disambiguation). ...

Shaklovity, a Boyar, dictates an anonymous letter to the Tsar, warning of a rebellion by Khovansky (captain of the Streltsy Guards) and the Old Believers. Ivan Khovansky arrives and promises a crowd of people to defend the Tsar against treachery. Andrey Khovansky, Ivan's son, chases in Emma, a German girl, but is fended off by Marfa, an Old Believer. Andrey threatens to kill Emma, but is prevented by the arrival of Dosifey, the leader of the Old Believers. Marfa leaves with Emma. A boyar (also spelled bojar, Romanian: ) was a member of the highest rank of the feudal Bulgarian, Romanian, and Russian aristocracy, second only to the ruling princes, from the 10th century through the 17th century. ... Streltsy (Стрельцы in Russian) were the units of Russian guardsmen (sl. ...

Act 2 - Summer study of Prince Vasily Golitsyn

Marfa tells the prince's fortune, saying that he will fall from power. After she leaves, Golitsyn orders his servants to kill her. Ivan Khovansky appears to complain that Golitsyn has interfered with the Boyars, but Dosifey enters and persuades the two to work together. Marfa, who has been saved by the Tsar's guards, reappears, followed by Shaklovity, who tells the group that the Tsar has been warned of their opposition to him.

Act 3 - The Streltsï Quarter, south of the Moscow River Moskva River (Москва́), also known as the Moscow River, is a small river over 400 miles long, situated in Russia, Eastern Europe. ...

Marfa is overheard singing of her love by Susanna, a fellow Old Believer. Marfa admits to Dosifey that she loves Andrey Khovansky. A fragment of painting Boyarynya Morozova by Vasily Surikov depicting a defiant Old Believer arrested by Czar authorities in 1671. ...

Act 4
Scene 1 - A richly furnished chamber in Ivan Khovansky's mansion

Khovansky is warned by a servant of Golitsyn that he is in danger, but Khovansky ignores the warning and watches his servant girls dance. Shaklovity enters and murders Khovansky.

Act 4
Scene 2 - Moscow. The square before the Cathedral of Vasiliy the Blessed St Basils Cathedral The Intercession Cathedral (Pokrovsky Cathedral, better known as the Cathedral of St. ...

Golitsyn is led into exile. Dosifey mourns the conspirators' downfall. Marfa offers sanctuary to Andrey with the Old Believers. The Streltsy are led to their execution. Peter, through an agent, intervenes to pardon them (which is not in agreement with historical fact).

Act 5 - A pine forest, a secluded monastery, a moonlit night.

Dosifey and his followers prepare to immolate themselves. As Dosifey, Marfa, Andrey and the Old Believers perish in the flames of a burning chapel, Peter's soldiers arrive in a vain attempt to capture them. Mass suicide occurs when a number of people kill themselves together with one another or for the same reason and is usually connected to a real or perceived persecution. ...

Principal Arias and Numbers

Introduction: Dawn on the Moscow River

Act 1

Chorus: "The Great One is coming!" «Большой идет!» (Streltsï)

Chorus: "Glory to the White Swan" «Слава лебедю, слава белому» (People)

Act 2

Aria: Marfa's Divination «Силы потайные, силы великие» (Marfa)

Act 3

Aria: "The Streltsy sleep in their nest" (Shaklovitïy)

Act 4

Ballet: Dance of the Persian Slaves (Orchestra)

Chorus: "A young swan swims, ladu-ladu" (Maidens, Shaklovitïy)

Introduction: The Departure of Golitsïn (Orchestra, Chorus)

Chorus: "Show them no mercy" (Streltsï Wives)

March: March of the Poteshniye Soldiers (Orchestra)

Act 5

Aria: "Here, in this holy place" «Здесь, на этом месте святе» (Dosifey)

Versions by other hands

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov completed, revised, and scored Khovanshchina in 1881–1882. Because of the heavy cuts and "recomposition" at Rimsky-Korsakov's hand, Dmitri Shostakovich revised the opera in 1959 based on Mussorgsky's vocal score, and it is this version that is usually performed today. It is also believed that Igor Stravinsky added a finale chorus at the finale of the opera . Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov (Russian: , Nikolaj Andreevič Rimskij-Korsakov), also Nikolay, Nicolai, and Rimsky-Korsakoff, (March 6 (N.S. March 18), 1844 – June 8 (N.S. June 21) 1908) was a Russian composer, one of five Russian composers known as The Five, and was later a... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1882 (MDCCCLXXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Dmitri Shostakovich in 1942 Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich   (Russian: , Dmitrij Dmitrievič Å ostakovič) (September 25 [O.S. September 12] 1906 – August 9, 1975) was a Russian composer of the Soviet period. ... Igor Stravinsky. ... For other uses, see Opera (disambiguation). ...

Repertory status

While not as well known as Boris Godunov, this opera is, in some ways, more accessible. The pace of the action is slow, but there is more in the way of traditional vocal lines as compared to the earlier opera's use of a more speech-like style. There are also some fiery set-pieces, in particular the Dance of the Persian Slaves. While Khovanshchina is not seen on stage often, especially in the West, it has been recorded several times. More recently it is to be performed by Welsh National Opera in both Wales and England as well as at the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich under Kent Nagano in 2007. The Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru or Wales Millenium Centre, a new performing arts centre which opended in 2004, is the home of the Welsh National Opera (WNO), a touring operatic company founded in Cardiff in 1943. ... Categories: Stub | Opera companies ... For other uses, see Munich (disambiguation). ... Kent Nagano is the current music director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. ...

Discography

This is a list of studio recordings. A comprehensive list of all recordings of Prince Igor may be found here.

Rimsky-Korsakov Version 1882

• Khaikin, Kirov Orchestra and Chorus, 1946
• Nebolsin, Bolshoy Theater Orchestra and Chorus, 1951
• Baranovich, Belgrade National Opera Orchestra and Chorus, 1954
• Khaikin, Bolshoy Theatre Orchestra and Chorus, 1974
• Margaritov, Sofia National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, 1975
• Ermler, Bolshoy Theater Orchestra and Chorus, 1988

Shostakovich Version 1959

• Tchakarov, Sofia National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, 1986
• Abbado, Orchestra of the Vienna Staatsoper, 1989
• Gergiev, Kirov Chorus and Orchestra, 1991

External links

• Russian libretto in HTML
• Russian libretto in zip file for Word