FULL Sneguročka St.Petersburg 2019 Olga Savova, Ilya Bannik, Antonina Vesenina
Information on the Performance
- Work Title: Sneguročka aka The Snow Maiden
- Composer: Rimsky-Korsakov Nikolai
- Libretto: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Libretto Text, Libretto Index
- Venue & Opera Company: Mariinsky II, St.Petersburg, Russia
- Recorded: March 20, 2019
- Type: Staged Opera Live
- Singers: Olga Savova, Ilya Bannik, Antonina Vesenina, Leshiy Vasily Gorshkov, Andrey Spekhov, Andrey Zorin, Elena Wittman, Dmitry Voropaev, Vadim Kravets
- Conductor: Timur Zangiev
- Orchestra: Mariinsky Orchestra
- Chorus: Mariinsky Chorus
- Chorus Master: Andrey Petrenko
- Choreographer: Galina Kaloshina
- Stage Director: Alexei Stepanyuk
- Stage Designer: Georgy Tsypin
- Costume Designer: Tatiana Noginova
- Lighting Designer: Gleb Filshtinsky
Information about the Recording
- Published by: Anna Agranova
- Date Published: 2022
- Format: Streaming
- Quality Video: 4 Audio:4
- Subtitles: nosubs
- Video Recording from: YouTube FULL VIDEO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE
Snegurochka or Snegurka (Russian: Снегу́рочка (diminutive), Снегу́рка, or The Snow Maiden, is a character in Russian fairy tales.
This character has no apparent roots in traditional Slavic mythology and customs, having made its first appearance in Russian folklore in the 19th century.
Quote from Wikipedia:
The action takes place in the land of the inhabitants of the village of Berendeev, in prehistoric times.
Prologue
On the Red Hill. Fifteen-year-old Sneguročka wants to live with the people of the nearby village of Berendeev, and her parents, Grandfather Frost and Bella Primavera, allow her to be adopted by Bobyl ‘Bakula and her wife.
Act I
In the village of Berendeev, on the other bank of the river. Sneguročka is enchanted by Lel’s songs, but she is saddened when he leaves with some girls. Kupava enters and announces her marriage to Mizgir ‘. The ceremony is celebrated, but Mizgir ‘notices Sneguročka, is very impressed and asks her to love him. Kupava exposes this affront to the villagers, who advise her to turn to the Tsar for justice.
Act II
In the palace of Tsar Berendej. Kupava complains about Mizgir ‘in front of Tsar Berendej, who decides to drive Mizgir’ into the forest. However, these deliberations are interrupted by the appearance of Sneguročka. The Tsar asks her who she loves, and she replies: “Nobody”. The Tsar declares that whoever manages to win Sneguročka’s heart will have her in marriage and will receive a reward from himself. Although the girls present Lel ‘as the best aspirant, Mizgir’ swears that she will have Sneguročka’s heart. The tsar agrees to the challenge and the people sing in his honor.
Act III
That same evening, in the forest. The people enjoy themselves with songs and dances. The Tsar invites Lel to choose a girl. Despite Sneguročka’s hopes, he kisses Kupava and leaves with her. Sneguročka, lonely and disconsolate, wonders why Lel refused her. Suddenly Mizgir ‘appears, once again trying to conquer her. Frightened by her words, the young woman runs away, but Lešij, the Spirit of the Woods, deceives Mizgir ‘and makes him chase a ghost instead of the real Sneguročka. Lel and Kupava enter, declaring their love for each other. Sneguročka finds them and, seeing their happiness, she finally wishes to have the ability to love.
Act IV
In the valley of the god Jarilo, at dawn the next day. Sneguročka calls her mother of her, Beautiful Spring, who appears from a lake surrounded by flowers. Spring gives her daughter a wreath and warns her to stay out of the sunlight, then with her entourage she goes back to the bottom of the lake. Before Sneguročka can return to the shelter in the forest, Mizgir ‘appears. Unable to resist any longer, the young woman declares her love for her. The inhabitants of Berendeev come in married couples to celebrate Jarilo’s day. In front of the Tsar, Mizgir ‘presents Sneguročka as his wife. As she declares her love for Mizgir ‘, a ray of sunshine appears and Sneguročka bids her farewell: the power of love is the cause of her end. To the amazement of the people, she melts, and the inconsolable Mizgir drowns in the lake. The Tsar manages to calm the horrified people, explaining that this event ended the fifteen-year long winter that had happened to them. The people then raise a festive hymn to Jarilo.