subject: The Tsar's Bride at The Royal Opera House [print this page] The Tsar's Bride at The Royal Opera House
This new production by Paul Curran is not to be missed: a star cast and conductor for Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian masterpiece in its first ever performances by The Royal Opera.
The opera may be based on historical figures, but they act out a fictional story of intrigue, betrayal and corruption. Drawing on the director's specialist knowledge of Russia and the Russian opera repertory, this new production evokes a dark and threatening world with hardhitting contemporary resonance.
Marina Poplavskya, Johan Reuter and Ekaterina Gubanova lead a cast under the baton of the much-loved and respected Mark Elder. When Tsar Ivan the Terrible selects Marfa as his new bride, a web of romantic and political jealousy and intrigue brings about death and disaster for her and everyone around. The power of the few and privileged can still control - and ruin - the lives of anyone they choose.
Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov first put together "The Tsar's Bride" back in 1898, though the idea goes back much further, and it would eventually premiere in Moscow in 1899. Since being first performed in Russia in 1899 it has been continued being shown on numerous occasions even up till the modern day.
The plot focuses on Ivan the Terrible as he selects his new bride as Marfa, with the decision causing disaster by way of distress and death. It is a compelling piece and appears during a season at the Toyal Opera House that also includes Aida and Fideli, among others.
Historical fiction and today's fact intertwine in this new production to startling effect. A highlight of the Season, it is a rare opportunity to see an operatic gem.
This play evokes a dark and threatening world with hard hitting contemporaty resonance. When Tsar Ivan the Terrible selects Marfa Sobakina; romantic and political jealosy and scheming brings about death and disaster for her and many others. The music is intensley dramatic to match the story of Ivan and the madness and sinister death of his third wide.
This is a wonderful, heartfelt permormance, this is unmissable the story has been beautifull crafted and also beautiful the way it has been performed on stage.
