Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Opera Sadko
Plot Synopsis and Character List of a Russian Fairy Tale Opera
Aug 30, 2009
Sadko is a Russian fairy tale opera in three acts written by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (March 18, 1844-June 21, 1908). He wrote the libretto with Vladimir Ivanovich Belsky, based on the 11th century Novgorod Cycle. It was first performed in Moscow, Solodovnikov Theater, January 7, 1898.
Notable arias are the Song of the Varangian merchant, Song of the Indian trader (Hindu merchant.) The chorus play a dominant part. The two buffoons are conventional figures.
Cast of Characters in Sadko
- Sadko, A minstrel and gusli player of Novgorod (Tenor)
- Liubava, His wife (Mezzo-soprano)
- Niejata, A minstrel from Kiev (Contralto)
- Two Elders of Novgorod (Tenor and bass)
- Duda and Sopiel, Buffoons (Bass and Tenor)
- Varangian Merchant (Bass)
- Hindu Merchant(Tenor)
- Venetian Merchant (Baritone)
- The King of the Ocean (Bass)
- Princess Volkhova, His daughter (Soprano)
- A Legendary Hero (Baritone)
Plot Synopsis
In some plays, instead of the traditional acts, Sadko is divided in plain seven scenes, and therefore it is more loosely constructed than a traditional opera. Here, with the inclusion of the traditional acts, the seven scenes remain intact.
The setting is at Novgorod, dawn of history.
Act I. Swans Transformed into Young Girls and Back into Swans
Scene 1. Palace of the Merchant Guild
The merchants are celebrating. Niejata sings them a song about a hero of Kiev. They want someone to extol their own city. They invite Sadko to entertain them with a song. Instead he tells them he would not spend his time feasting if he had their money. His song displeases them and they throw him out. Duda and Sopiel mock him as a dance begins and the feast becomes lively.
Scene 2. Shores of Lake Ilmen
Sadko laments that no one wishes to hear his songs. Swans swim up, and they are transformed into young girls. One of them is Princess Volkhova. She tells Sadko she has fallen in love with him, that she is Volkhova, daughter of the King of the Ocean. Sadko returns her love. Before leaving, she promises that he will catch three golden fishes in his net. As dawn breaks, Volkhova and the others turn back into swans and swim away.
Act II. Sadko Recovers Golden Fish from the Lake
Scene 1. In Sadko's House
Liubava anxiously awaits her husband early next morning. He is cold and brooding, and before the surprised and unhappy wife, he rushes off to the harbor.
Scene 2. The Port
A crowd surround merchants from many lands, proud to receive them in Novgorod. Soon after a merchant, jestingly said that all the merchandise would suit Sadko, who appears amid laughter. He bets his head that there is a golden fish that can be caught in the lake. He goes off in a boat and with Volkhova's help, he is proved correct. Sadko is acclaimed by the crowd. He chooses a group of followers and buys a ship, in mind to explore and trade. He sets sail for Venice with his chosen men.
Act III. On Board a Ship Becalmed at Sea
Scene 1. In Mid-ocean
The ship is becalmed. Sadko tells his men that he has failed to pay tribute to the King of the Ocean for 12 years at sea, a reason why the king has becalmed his ship. He appeases the king by setting himself adrift on a plank, bids farewell to his men. Immediately a breeze gets up, the ship sails away. Left alone on the sea, he hears the voice of the Princess who has remained faithful to him. He sinks into the sea.
Scene 2. The Bottom of the Sea
The King and Queen are seated with Volkhova. Sadko sings in honor of the royal family. The kind agrees to marry his daughter off to Sadko and summons the entire denizens of his kingdom, for the wedding feast. The celebration was so wild that it causes hurricane.
Suddenly a Legendary Hero appears and announces the end of the Kingdom of the Ocean, that Sadko and his bride are to return to Novgorod.
Scene 3. A Meadow by the LakeIlmen
Sadko and Volkhova return to Novgorod. Volkhova disappears to become a river, and Sadko returns to his wife, Liubava. The ship appears upon the new river, Volkhova. The town people are delighted at the direct access to the sea. The three merchants appear, and there is a big ensemble in praise of Sadko, and of God, as a final chorale.
Sources:
- Martin, Nicholas Ivor. the Da Capo Opera Manual. New York: Da Capo, 1997
- Morley, Alexander F (Sir). The Harrap Opera Guide. London: Harrap, 1970
- Sadie, Standley, Ed. The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd Edition, London: MacMillan Publishers, 2000
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