The Maid of Pskov (Russian: Псковитянка, Pskovityanka), is an opera in three acts and six scenes by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The libretto was written by the composer, and is based on the drama of the same name by Lev Mei. The story concerns the Tsar Ivan the Terrible and his efforts to subject the cities of Pskov and Novgorod to his will. The original version of the opera was completed in 1872, and received its premiere in 1873 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The third and final version was completed in 1892, and is considered "definitive".[citation needed] This version was made famous by Chaliapin in the role of Ivan the Terrible. It was introduced to Paris in 1909 by Diaghilev under the title Ivan the Terrible, on account of the dominance of his role, and because of European audience's familiarity with his name.
Librettist | Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov (Based on the drama "The Maid of Pskov" by Lev Mei) |
Date of composition | 1872 (1868-1872. Completed in 1892.) |
Premiered | 1873, January 13th (Mariinsky Theatre) in Saint Petersburg, Russia |
Type | Opera |
Approx. duration | 120 minutes |
Spoken language | Russian |
Instruments |
Orchestra
Voice (Bass) - Tsar Ivan Vasilevich the Terrible Voice (Bass) - Prince Yuriy Ivanovich Tokmakov, the tsar's deputy and posadnik in Pskov Voice (Tenor) - Boyar Nikita Matuta Voice (Bass) - Prince Afanasy Vyazemsky Voice (Bass) - Bomely (Bomelius), royal physician Voice (Tenor) - Mikhail Andreyevich Tucha, son of a posadnik Voice (Bass) - Yushko Velebin, courier from Novgorod Voice (Soprano) - Princess Olga Yuryevna Tokmakova Voice (Soprano) - Boyarïshnya Stepanida Matuta, Olga's friend Voice (Contralto) - Vlasyevna, wet nurse Voice (Contralto) - Perfilyevna, wet nurse Voice (Tenor) - Guard's voice Chorus/Choir - Mixed Chorus ; Judges, Pskovian boyars, governor's sons, oprichniks, Muscovite Streltsy, maidens, people |
Autotranslations beta |
Nikolaï Rimski-Korsakov: The Maid of Pskov Nikolaj Andreevič Rimskij-Korsakov: The Maid of Pskov Nikolai Andrejewitsch Rimski-Korsakow: The Maid of Pskov |