Rimsky-Korsakov Opera The Golden Cockerel

Plot Synopsis and Character Description of a Russian Fairytale Opera

Sep 3, 2009

Opera The Golden Cockerel (Le Coq d'Or) by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: plot synopsis, character description, and other Rimsky-Korsakov opera information.

The Golden Cockerel (Le Coq d'Or) is a Russian fairy tale opera in three acts written by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (March 18, 1844-June 21, 1908). Libretto was written by V. Bielsky after a poem by Aleksandr S. Pushkin. It was first performed in Moscow, Solodovnikov Theater, October 7th, 1909.

Cast of Characters

Composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov based opera The Golden Cockerel from A. Pushkin's fairy tale. The general satire is one which for a time was under the ban of the Imperial Russian censor. The Golden Cockerel or Le Coq d'Or was Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's last and considered his best opera. The setting is a legendary place in Southern Russia.

Plot Synopsis of The Golden Cockerel

Through a muted trumpet, the cockerel's cry is heard followed by the music associated with the Queen of Shemakhan. Heralded by a motive on the celesta, the Astrologer appears before the curtain to announce that it is only a fable which he is setting. He disappears and the curtain slowly rises.

Dodon calls his advisors and asks them how to keep his enemies out of the ways he can peacefully retire. Prince Guidon suggests they provision the city and retire within the wall. Prince Afron wants to disband the army until such time that the enemy means to attack. The astrologer brings the king a golden cockerel that will warn him of approaching danger. He also asks the king to put in writing his promise to reward him.

Amelfa serves the king dinner. Everyone rests and takes a nap, but is awakened by the cockerel's first warning crow. The two princes, Guidon and Afron, don't want to fight, but the king insists. When a second alarm is given, the king himself leads the older men to fight.

The king finds both of his sons slain on a gorge. While searching for the enemy, he encounters the queen of Shemakhan. She says she means to capture his town, but since she has no soldiers, he did not take her seriously. The queen sings and the king is overcome by her beauty. The truth is that the princes killed each other over her. At the queen's insistence, the king sings and dances for her. Before long, he finds himself offering his kingdom to her.

Act III. A Street before the Council Chamber outside the Royal Palace

While the king's subjects await his return anxiously, he comes back with his new queen in a lavish and splendid procession. As his reward, the astrologer demands for the queen. The king refuses. He strikes the astrologer with his scepter, killing him. The golden cockerel pecks the king, who dies. Queen Shemakhan and the cockerel disappear.

The astrologer admits the tale is gory, but advises not to worry, reminding the audience it is a fairy tale.

Sources:

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

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