Khan Konchak (Sergei Aleksashkin), Konchakovna (Olga Borodina), Prince Vladimir Igorevich (Yevgeny Akimov) & Prince Igor (Alexander Morozov)
I love going to the opera at the Mariinsky but especially so in the winter. The evenings are -25, snowy,dark and ice-covered, yet the bright lights and warmth of the audiences at the opera provide a way out of the deep winters gloom. Russian composers knew this, and would create spectacular, long pieces to best illustrate their adapations of Russian stories. Many last for over three hours, with the intermissions being a chance to catch up with friends, drink vodka, champagne and enjoy caviar, which can still be done in the Mariinsky today.
Prince Igor is one of the greats, written by Borodon and based upon a traditional, and epic Russian tale.He died before completing it, with that task being handled by Rimsky-Korsakov and Glazunov. It premiered at the Mariinsky in 1890.
This production,based on the original, featured Olga Borodina as Konchakovna, Prince Vladimir’s love interest. This is one of the all time greats and beloved of Russian operas, featuring the famous Polovtsian Dances. Probably Borodin’s finest moment, and of course superbly sung. The story of a Prince captured by the Mongolian Khan Konchak, who admires the Prince’s bravery and allows him freedom, but does not refrain from his attacks on his Kingdom. So many great points I lost count, so if you ever get the chance to see it – go! The Polovtsian Dances – so good they are often featured in ballet programmes on their own, can be seen here.
Sergei Alekshashkin as the Mongolian Khan Konchak
Woeful maidens as Prince Galitsky captures one of them and has his wicked way with her, an act that leads to his downfall
Khan Kolchak and Prince Igor discuss the differences between being a prisoner and being a ‘guest’.
The famous Polovtsian Dances. One of the most thrilling sights on an opera or dance stage.