An Opera in a Prologue and Four Acts.
Words and Music by Alexander Borodin.
Relayed from the Theatre de la Monnaie, Brussels.
Conductor: M. Corneil de Thoran.
Prologue: The Market Square at Poutivle.
Act I., Scene 1: The Courtyard of the Palace of Prince Vladimir Galitsky.
Scene 2: A Room in the Palace of Jaroslavna.
Act II.: In the Camp of the Polovtsi before the Tent of Kontchak.
Act III.: The Entrance to the Camp on the bank of the River Don.
Act IV.: The Steps of the Kremlin at Poutivle.
The 2nd News Bulletin will be read in the interval between Acts II. and III.
Story of "Le Prince Igor."
Alexander Borodin, the composer of this opera, was a scientist who only turned to music in moments of depression or illness.
His opera, "Le Prince Igor", is a brilliant work in true Russian style.
The opera tells how Igor, Prince of Seversk, leaves his State to make war against a neighbouring Oriental tribe. The Prince leaves the conduct of the State to his traitor brother, Galitsky, who lives riotously and does his best to usurp the throne.
Jaroslavna, Igor's wife, remains behind and later (Act I., Scene 2) news is brought to her that her husband's army has been defeated and that he and her son have been taken prisoners.
We are now taken (Acts II. and III.) to the camp of the Orientals, where the young Prince Vladimir has fallen in love with the Princess of the tribe. He serenades her by night, while Igor laments his captivity.
At a banquet given by the Khan (Chief of the Oriental tribe), when all are stupefied with wine, Prince Igor escapes. The young Prince Vladimir, who tries to follow his father, is prevented by the Princess, and the Khan is content to let his daughter Kontchakovna and Prince Vladimir marry each other.
Prince Igor returns to his wife and they are last seen entering the Kremlin to give thanksgiving.
This opera is little known in England.
Listeners who are interested should not miss the following:
Galitsky's Drinking...Song Act I. Scene I
Princess Kontchakovna's Song Act II.
Vladimir's Serenade Act II.
The Lovers' Duet Act II.
Prince Igor's Lament... Act II.
March, Opening of the Act, The famous Dances of "Prince Igor"...Act III.
Chorus of Townsfolk passing across the scene... Act IV.
(to 22.30)
