Mussorgsky Opera Khovanshchina
Plot Synopsis and Character Description of Russian Drama
Oct 27, 2008
Khovanshchina (The Khovansky Affair or The Princes Khovansky) is a five-act opera, a National music drama. Composed by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky (March 21, 1830 – March 28, 1881), libretto is by Vladimir Stassov and Mussorgsky. It was written between 1872 and 1880.
The opera was unfinished and unperformed when Mussorgsky died in 1881. It received its first performance in the Rimsky-Korsakov version in 1886 at St. Petersburg, Kononov Theater, on February 21, 1886. A more completed and orchestrated edition by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was performed November 7, 1911. Another version is by Shostakovich premiered in Leningrad, November 25, 1960.
Although based on historical Moscow Uprising of 1682 to 1689, its main themes are the struggle between progressive and reactionary political factions during the time of czar, Peter the Great, and the passing of old Muscovy before the czar's reforms.
Cast of Characters
- Prince Ivan Khovansky, Leader of the Streltsy (bass)
- Prince Andrei Khovansky, His son (tenor)
- Prince Vassily Galitsin (tenor)
- Boyar Shaklovity, A czar's spy (baritone)
- Dositheus, Leader of the "Old Believers" or schismatics (bass)
- Martha, A young widow, an "Old Believer" (mezzo)
- Scrivener (Tenor)
- Emma, A girl from the German quarter (soprano)
- Varsonofiev, A servant of Galitsin (bass or baritone)
- Susanna, An aged "Old Believer" (soprano)
Plot Summary / Synopsis
Act I. Red Square in Moscow
Shaklovity, a spy for the czar, warns the government of a coup attempt by the Khovansky brothers, Ivan and his son, Andrei. The guards welcome their leader, Prince Ivan. It is our duty, Ivan explains, to protect the czar. Prince Andrei loves a young German girl, Emma. Their talk is interrupted by Martha, an old believer, who reminds Andrei of his vows to her. Andrei draws his knife on his men to bring Emma to him. Emma is saved by intervention of Dositheus, head of the old believers.
Act II. The Summer Residence of Prince Galitsin
Prince Galitsin reads a letter from the princess regent. He realizes he must tread carefully to maintain control of the government. Martha is Galitsin's fortune teller. When she predicts disgrace and exile, the prince orders her drowned. Ivan objects to Galitsin's tyrannical ways. Dositheus also intervenes, berating Galitsin for ignoring the old customs. Shaklovity brings orders for the arrest of the Khovansky princes.
Act III. The Guards Quarters on the Outskirts of Moscow
The old believers hope their faith will triumph, Martha sings of her betrayal. The old believer Susanna hears her song and denounces her love as sinful. Martha confesses to Dositheus who consoles her. The guards awake after a late night of drinking. The scrivener breathlessly announces that the czar's troopers are pillaging the city. The guards beg Prince Ivan to lead them to civil war, but he refuses.
Act IV. In Khovansky's Estate and the Square in Moscow
Scene 1. A Richly Furnished Dining Hall in Prince Ivan Khovansky's Estate
The chambermaids entertain Prince Ivan with a song. Varsonofiev brings a message from Galitsin to beware: Danger is near. Ivan is not convinced. Prince Ivan is summoned by the regent, but is stabbed before he can go.
Scene 2. The Square in Front of the Church of Vassily Blajeny, Moscow
A procession of guards leads Prince Galitsin off to exile. He receives word from Martha that the council has decreed death to the old believers. When Martha tells Andrei of his father's murder, the young prince does not believe her. He asks where Emma has gone and threatens Martha. Seeing the guards being let out to be executed for treason, Ivan begs Martha to save him. The guards are reprieved by order of the czar.
Act V. A Hermitage in the Woods
Dositheus prays looking forward to the glory of martyrdom. Hearing the approach of the guards, the old believers prepare for death and prepare a pyre. Andrei begs Martha to help him escape, but they are already surrounded. To the horror of the guards, the old believers throw themselves into the flaming pyre, to the horror of the guards.
Sources:
Concise Guide to Opera, edited by Amanda Holden, Penguin, 2005
The Da Capo Opera, by Nicholas Ivor Martin, New York: Da Capo Press, 1997
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