Alexander Borodin Opera Prince Igor

Plot Synopsis and Character Description of a Russian Medieval Epic

Jun 22, 2009

Opera Prince Igor, based a medieval epic The Tale of Igor's Campaign by Alexander Borodin: opera plot summary, character list, and other Borodin opera information.

Alexander Borodin (November 12, 1833 – February 27, 1887) composed Prince Igor, posthumously completed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Aleksandr Glazunov, a four-act opera based on a Russian medieval epic, libretto by Borodin after V.V. Stassov. It was premiered at the Maryinsky Theatre, St Petersburg, November 4th, 1890. The settings are in the town of Poutivl and the Polovtsian Camp, in 1185.

Notable arias: "No little time has passed" (Jaroslavna), "Unhappy, prince?" (Kontchak), Jaroslavna's lament (Jaroslavna.)

Borodin's opera Prince Igor recounts the campaign of Prince Igor against the invading Polovtsian tribes in 1185. The opera depicts colorful Russian scenes, exotic music, and the celebrated Polovtsian dances. There are wonderful melodies for the soloists along with magnificent choruses.

Character Roles of Prince Igor

Plot Summary / Synopsis of Prince Igor

Prince Igor, his son Vladimir and the boyars come out of the cathedral and are hailed by the people in a great chorus, as they leave battle against the Polovtsi, a Tartar tribe. He bids Jaroslavna, his wife, a tender farewell and entrusts her to Galitzky, her brother.

Act I.

A carousel is taking place, led by Galitzky. A chorus of young girls appeal to him to release one of them, whom he has abducted, but he refuses. Skula and Erochka, two rustic musicians who have deserted Igor's army, sing in praise of Galitzky.

In an arioso, Jaroslavna gives voice to her anxiety for her husband. The young girls enter with their complaint, followed shortly by her brother. Jaroslavna prevails upon him to give up the abducted girl. Boyars arrive and break the news that Igor has been captured together with Vladimir.

Act II. The Camp of the Polovtsi

Kontchakovna's handmaidens sing and dance for her. Vladimir sings a beautiful cavatina in which he expresses his love for Kontchakovna, who comes to him. They sing a love duet and go off into the night. Igor appears, dreaming of freedom and his wife. Ovlur, a Polovtsian offers to help him escape but Igor refuses. The Khan Kontchak enters and in an aria offers Igor hospitality to reduce the anxiety of captivity. He offers freedom and an alliance, but Igor refuses. Kontchak calls for entertainment of his guest, with the suite of wild dances and choral accompaniment.

Act III. The Polovtsian Camp

A barbaric march continues as another Khan, Gsak, and his warriors return with Russian prisoners. Once again, Ovlur offers to ehlp Igor escape. This time, Igor agrees. Kontchakovna learns of the plan and reproaches Vladimir for leaving her. In desperation she gives the alarm. Igor escapes but Vladimir is caught. Kontchak forbids his warriors to harm Vladimir and also forbids them to pursue Igor for whom he continues to express admiration. He gives his daughter's hand to Vladmir but instructs his followers to prepare for more conquests.

Act IV. Poutivl

Jaroslavna continues to lament the absence of Igor. Then she sees two horsemen in the distance approaching and recognizes Igor as one of them. Husband and wife are reunited. Igor vows to do battle against the Tartars once again. Skula and Erochka, sounds the alarm-bell to announce Igor's return. The people hail the appearance of Prince Igor and his wife.

Sources:

Sadie, Stanley, Ed. The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd Edition, London: MacMillan, 2000

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