Information AboutKhovanshchina |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT KHOVANSHCHINA | |
| operas by modest mussorgsky | |
| russian-language operas | |
| musical compositions completed by others | |
| unfinished operas | |
| 1881 operas | |
| 1886 operas | |
| operas | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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PLOT Like Mussorgsky's earlier '' Boris Godunov '', ''The Khovansky Affair'' deals with an episode in Russian history, first brought to the composer's attention by his friend Vladimir Stasov . In this case, it concerns the rebellion of Prince Khovansky and his followers against Peter The Great , who was attempting to institute Westernizing reforms to the country. Ultimately, Peter succeeded, the rebellion was crushed and (in the opera, at least) Khovansky's followers committed mass suicide. REPERTORY STATUS While not as well known as ''Boris Godunov'', this opera is, in some ways, more accessible. The pace of the action is slow, but there is more in the way of traditional vocal lines as compared to the earlier opera's use of a more speech-like style. There are also some fiery set-pieces, in particular the ''Dance of the Persian Slaves''. While ''Khovanshchina'' is not seen on stage often, especially in the West, it has been recorded several times. More recently it is to be performed by Welsh National Opera in both Wales and England in 2007. EXTERNAL LINKS |