Martinu Opera The Greek Passion
Plot Synopsis from Christ Recrucified by Nikos Kazantzakis
Mar 8, 2008
The Greek Passion (Recke pasije), is a tragic 4-act drama by Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu (December 8, 1890 – August 28, 1959). He also wrote the libretto based on the novel of Nikos Kazantzakis "Christ Recrucified." The opera was premiered in Zurich, Stadtisches Theater, June 9, 1961.
The setting is in and around the village of Lykovrissi in the early 20th century.
Bohuslav Martinu was a 20th century eclectic composer who absorbed influence from JS Bach to Igor Stravinsky. Martinu wrote several of his operas in Paris when he moved there in 1923. He fled to the US during the Nazi occupation of France. The Greek Passion or Recke pasije was among his last.
The basis of the opera is a 1948 novel entitled "Christ Recrucified" by Nikos Kazantzakis. The story is about an attempt of the Greek village people to stage a passion play, a dramatic presentation of the trial, suffering and death of Jesus Christ, a traditional part of Lent among Christians. The opera actually revolves around the lives of the village people themselves.
Main Characters
- Grigoris, a priest, bass-baritone
- Yannakos, tenor
- Manolios, tenor
- Katerina, a widow, soprano
- Kostandis, baritone
- Panait, tenor
- Michelis, tenor
- Fotis, a priest, bass-baritone
- Nikolios, soprano
- Lenio, soprano
- Ladas, spoken role
Plot Synopsis of Martinu The Greek Passion
Act I
Scene 1. The square in Lycovrissi, a village on the slopes of Mount Sarakina.
The church plans a passion play and the priest Grigoris assigns the roles.
Lenio is engaged to Manolios. Greek refugees arrive in the village led by the priest Fotis but the priest Grigoris is not willing to help then, instead, he accuses them of bringing cholera into the village. Katerina, the widow gives her shawl to one of the refugees. Panait gets angry at her but lets go her act of sympathy. Manolios suggests for the refugees to settle on Mount Sarakina.
Act II
Scene 1. Outside Jannakos's house
Katerina talks to Jannakos. Meanwhile, Ladas persudes Jannakos to take advantage and make money from the refugees by selling them food.
Scene 2. Outside the village at the spring of St. Basil
Katerina is tormentd by dreams of Manolios. When she confronts him, he admits he has been thinking about her.
Scene 3. A desolate spot on Mount Sarakina
One of the Greeks, an old man, dies from exhaustion digging a foundation for their new village. Jannakos confesses to Fotis of his plan to take advantage of the refugees and begs forgiveness.
Act III
Scene 1. Manolio's hut on Mount Panagia
Manolios, assigned the part of Christ in the passion play, is tormented by the responsibility of playing the role of Christ. He still dreams of Katerina.
Scene 2. A little room in Katerina's house
Manolios begs Katerina to forget him.
Scene 3. The road leading to Sarakina
Jannakos finds Katerina bringing food to the refugees. Because Manolios has seriously taken to preaching that all men are brothers, Grigoris is furious and wants to drive him out of the village. Nikolios admits to Manolios that Lenio is going to marry him instead, and Manolios forgives him.
Act IV
Scene 1. The village square
Nikolios weds Lenio. Grigoris excommunicates Manolios, and Jannakos, Michelis and Kostandis stand by him. Manolios admits his sinful fascination with Katerina. Panait, who was to play Judas, kills him.
Scene 2. On Mount Sarakina
The starving refugees mourn for Manolios.
Readers may also want to check out Johann Sebastian Bach's "Passion" oratorios: Bach St. Matthew Passion and Bach St. John Passion Notes.
Sources:
Dictionary of Composers and Their Music, by Eric Gilder, Sphere Reference (1987)
The Opera Manual, by Nicholas Ivor Martin, Da Capo Press (1997)
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