Sergei Prokofiev (April 27, 1891 – March 5, 1953) composed Voyna i (War and Peace), a one-act Russian epic drama, considered his operatic masterpiece. Libretto was written by Sergei Prokofiev and Mira Mendelssohn-Prokofieva, based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy. It was premiered in Leningrad, Maly Theater, June 12, 1946. The setting is in Russia, early 19th century.

War and Peace was originally planned by Prokofiev as a small scale work focused on flirtations in love, but assumed a patriotic dimension after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941. What eventuated was a romantic "peace" from Natasha Rostova's ficke-minded love, and followed by "war" which highlights the heroism and suffering of the Russian people. This opera is rarely produced because of its length and large cast requirement.

Main Character Roles of Voyna i Mir Opera

• Prince Andrei Bolkonski, Natasha fiancé (baritone)
• Natasha Rostova, daughter of an impoverished landowner (soprano)
• Count Pierre Bezukhov, Prince Andrei's friend (tenor)
• Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, Russian army commander (bass)
• Sonya, Natasha's cousin (mezzo)
• Count Rostov, father of Natasha (bass baritone)
• Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova (mezzo)
• Helene Bezukhova, wife of Pierre Bezukhov (mezzo)
• Prince Anatol Kuragin, lover of Natasha (tenor)
• Lieutenant Dolokhov, Prince Anatol's friend (bass baritone)
• Princess Marya Bolkonskaya Akhrosimova, Prince Andrei's sister (mezzo)
• Old prince Nicolai Bolkonski, father of Prince Andrei (bass)
• Napoleon Bonaparte, French Emperor (baritone)

And a large cast of minor roles, including soldiers to Russian peasants and serfs.

Plot Summary / Synopses of Prokofiev's War and Peace

Act 1. A Cannonball lands onstage near Napoleon. Moscow Burns.

Scene 1. The Garden and House of the Rostov's Estate

Prince Andrei falls in love with Natasha Rostov while visiting her family.

Scene 2. A Ball at an Old Nobleman's House

He dances with her at a ball and he proposes.

Scene 3. A Small Reception Room in Prince Bolkonski's Mansion at Vozdvijhenka

Andrei's father disapproves and refuses to see Natasha and Count Rostov, but Andrei's sister, Marya, receives them. In the hope that Andrei might forget Natasha, his father sends him away for a year.

Scene 4. A Small Drawing Roon in Pierre Bezukhov's House

At a dance given by Pierre and Helene Bezukhov, Prince Anatol woos Natasha who is won over by Anatol's sweet talk. He asks her to elope with him, but Sonya is detemined not to let Natasha disgrace herself.

Scene 5. Dolokhov's study

Dolokhov helps his friend Anatol plan his seduction of Natasha.

Scene 6. A Reception Room in Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova's Mansion in Staraya Koniushennaya Street

Natasha's godmother, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, finds out about the elopement and chastises Natasha. Pierre Bezukhov tells Natasha that Anatol is a married man.

Scene 7. Pierre Bezukhov's Study

Pierre forces Anatol, who's unhappily married, to go abroad. France declares war on Russia.

Scene 8. Before the Battle of Borodino

The contending armies meet before Borodino. The French have captured Smolensk but the peasants burn their goods rather than let them fall into enemy hands. Pierre frees his serfs to help soldiers. Kutuzov fires the troops' enthusiasm and the battle begins.

Scene 9. The Redoubt of Shevardino During the Borodino Battle

Napoleon directs his army with hard fighting.

Scene 10. A Cottage at Fili

Kutuzov decides on a strategic retreat from Moscow.

Scene 11. A Moscow Street Under French Occupation

The French occupy and loot Moscow. Pierre plans to assassinate Napoleon and disguises as a coachman. He hears how Natasha helped a group of wounded soldiers – including Prince Andrei. The peasants set fire to the city. Pierre is captured but is pardoned before his execution can take place.

Scene 12. A Dark Cottage

Andrei forgives Natasha and dies in her arms.

Scene 13. The Smolensk Road

Pierre is rescued from the retreating French army. The Russians celebrate their victory.

Sources:

Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, DK, 2006

The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin, 1997