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1 Chapter 1 : The Tale of Tsar Saltan The Meteor Theatre The Tale of Tsar Saltan (Russian: РкРРкРо Ñ Ð Ñ Ðµ Ð Ð Ð»Ñ Ð Ð½Ðµ, Skazka o Tsare Saltane) is an opera in four acts with a prologue (a total of seven scenes) by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Two Chickens The Tale of Tsar Saltan Long ago in a faraway kingdom, three sisters were outside in the courtyard talking, imagining what they would do if they were married to Tsar Saltan. One said that she would prepare a great feast for the entire world. The next said that she would weave linen for the entire world. The third said that she would give the tsar "an heir, handsome and brave beyond compare. When he heard the words of the last maiden, he fell in love and asked her to be his wife. They were married that very same night and conceived a son soon after. The other sisters were given jobs as a cook and a weaver. A few months later the tsar went to war and had to part with his beloved wife. While he was at war his wife, the queen, gave birth to his son. A rider was sent to the tsar to convey the good news. Of course, there was no way to disobey an order from the tsar, so the palace guards put the queen and her son into the barrel and rolled it into the water. As the queen wept inside the barrel, her son grew stronger, not by the day, but by the minute. He begged the waves to wash them onto dry land. The waves obeyed and he and his mother found themselves washed ashore on a deserted island. By now they were quite hungry, so the son made himself a bow and arrow, using small branches from a tree, and went hunting. Near the sea, he heard a screech and saw a poor swan struggling against a huge black hawk. For saving my life, I will serve you forever. The next morning they awoke and saw a wondrous city standing before them where there had been nothing before! The two walked into the city and throngs of people greeted them and crowned the young man a prince, proclaiming him Prince Gvidon. One day a merchant ship was sailing near the island when its sailors caught a glimpse of the amazing walled city. Prince Gvidon welcomed them and offered them food and drink. He asked what they had for sale and where they were going. Still, Prince Gvidon thought the best of people and could never quite believe that his father could do such a thing. As the merchant sailors were preparing to leave the island, the prince became sad when thinking about his father. Why are you so gloomy," the swan said. Then, with a splash of water, the swan turned the prince into a small gnat so that he could hide himself in a crack of the mast of the ship en route to see the tsar. The sailors told the tsar about the island and the walled city, and spoke of the hospitable Prince Gvidon. The tsar did not know that this Prince Gvidon was his son, but expressed a wish to see this beautiful city anyway. After he flew back to the island, Gvidon told the swan the story he heard about the remarkable squirrel. Then the prince walked into his courtyard and, lo and behold, there was the singing squirrel, sitting under a fir tree, cracking golden nuts! The prince rejoiced at this and ordered that a crystal house be built for the little animal. He placed a guard there to stand watch and ordered a scribe to record every shell. Profit for the prince, honor for the squirrel! Some time later, a second ship came to the island enroute to the tsar and the prince again told the swan that he wished to see his father again. This time, the swan turned the prince into a fly so that he could hide in a crack of the ship. After the vessel arrived in the kingdom, the sailors told Tsar Saltan about the wondrous squirrel they had seen. Once home again, he told the swan about old Chernomor and the thirty-three knights, and lamented that he had never seen such a wonder. Suddenly, a giant wave rose high and deep onto the shore, and when it receded, thirty-three knights in armor, led by old Chernomor, emerged, ready to serve Prince Gvidon. They promised that they would come out of the sea each day to protect the city. A few months later, a third ship came to the island. In his customary fashion, the prince again made the sailors feel welcome and told them to send his respects to the tsar. This time the swan turned the prince into a bumblebee. The ship arrived in the kingdom and the sailors told Tsar Saltan about the wondrous city they had seen and how every day thirty-three knights and old Chernomor would emerge from the sea to protect the island. The tsar marveled at this and wanted to see this extraordinary land, but once again was talked out of it by the two sisters and old Barbarika. When she speaks it is like the murmur of a tranquil brook. Gvidon, the bumblebee, got angry at the women once more and stung Barbarika on her nose. They tried to catch him, but to no avail. He was safely on his journey back home. After his arrival there, Gvidon strolled out to the seashore until he was met by the white swan. Gvidon said that he was sad because he did not have a Page 1

2 wife. He related the tale he had heard of the beautiful princess whose beauty lit up the darkness, whose words flowed like a murmuring brook. The swan was silent for awhile, then said that there was such a princess. At this, the swan sighed and said: The woman that you desire, Is now yours to spy. The princess is I. With this, she flapped her wings and turned into the beautiful woman that the prince had heard about. The two passionately embraced and kissed, and Gvidon took her to meet his mother. The prince and the beautiful maiden were married that very same evening. A short time later, another ship came to the island. As usual, Prince Gvidon welcomed the sailors and, as they were leaving, he asked the sailors to send his greetings to the tsar and to extend an invitation to him to visit. Being happy with his new bride, Gvidon decided not to leave the island this time. When the ship arrived at the kingdom of Tsar Sultan, the sailors again told the tsar of the fantastic island they had seen, of the singing squirrel cracking the golden nuts, of the thirty-three armored knights rising out of the sea, and of the lovely princess whose beauty was beyond compare. This time the tsar would not listen to the snide remarks of the sisters and Barbarika. He called his fleet and set sail for the island immediately. When he reached the island, Prince Gvidon was there to meet the tsar. Saying nothing, Gvidon led him, along with his two sisters-in-law and Barbarika, to the palace. Along the way, the tsar saw everything that he had heard so much about. There at the gates were the thirty-three knights and old Chernomor standing guard. There in the courtyard was the remarkable squirrel, singing a song and gnawing on a golden nut. And then the tsar saw something unexpected: The tsar recognized her immediately. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he rushed to embrace her, and years of heartache were now forgotten. He then realized that Prince Gvidon was his son, and the two threw their arms around each other as well. A merry feast was held. The two sisters and Barbarika hid in shame, but eventually they were found. They burst into tears, confessing everything. But the tsar was so happy that he let them all go. The tsar and the queen and Prince Gvidon and the princess lived the rest of their days in happiness. Russian folk tales Russian folk tales. Page 2

3 Chapter 2 : The Tale of Tsar Saltan - Wikipedia The Tale of Tsar Saltan, of His Son the Renowned and Mighty Bogatyr Prince Gvidon Saltanovich, and of the Beautiful Princess-Swan (Russian: «РкРРкРо Ñ Ð Ñ Ðµ Ð Ð Ð»Ñ Ð Ð½Ðµ, о Ñ Ñ Ð½Ðµ его Ñ Ð»Ð Ð²Ð½Ð¾Ð¼ Ð Ð¼Ð¾Ð³ÑƒÑ ÐµÐ¼ Ð±Ð¾Ð³Ð Ñ Ñ Ñ Ðµ ÐºÐ½Ñ Ð Ðµ РвРРоне Ð Ð Ð»Ñ Ð Ð½Ð¾Ð²Ð Ñ Ðµ Ро Ð Ñ ÐµÐºÑ Ð Ñ Ð½Ð¾Ð¹ Ñ Ð Ñ ÐµÐ²Ð½Ðµ РебеРР», translit. Belfries thundered overhead Loud enough to wake the dead. Round them poured a mighty throng, Choir boys praised the Lord in song; Nobles, splendidly arrayed, Came in coaches, gold inlaid. Sailors, merchants, crowd the deck, Marvel loud and crane their necks. Wondrous changes meet their view On an island which they knew! There, a golden city grand, Newly built, and fortress stand, Cannons with a mighty roar Bid the merchants put to shore. When the merchants land, Guidon Bids them be his guests anon; Feasts them first with meats and wit Then he says: We have sailed the seven seas; Costly furs, prince, were our ware. Silver fox and sables rare. Suddenly, before Guidon Swam the graceful snow-white swan. Why are you so dismal, say, Like a gloomy, cloudy day? Why, thenâ a mosquito be! And he hovered, then and there, A mosquito, in the air. Buzzed, and flying rapidly, Overtook the ship at sea, Settled noiselessly, and stole Out of sight, into a hole. Now his longed-for land so dear Stands out in the distance, clear, Now the ship at anchor rests And the merchants, honored guests, Palacewards their footsteps make With our gallant in their wake. There, in regal raiment, sate Tsar Saltan in royal state. On his headâ his jeweled crown; On his faceâ a pensive frown, While the royal cook, and weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver, Sitting on his left and right, Stared at him with all their might. Tsar Saltan, with royal grace, Gave the merchants each his place, Then he said: Are things well where you have been? What strange wonders have you seen? There, we saw this wondrous scene: Now it has a new-built city, Stately mansions, gardens pretty, Churches tall with domes of go Fair and wondrous to behold. Prince Guidon reigns there, and Sends his compliments to thee. Have you heard the like before? Nutsâ most wondrous to behold! Every shell is solid gold; Kernelsâ each an emerald pure! Sister, serving maids and mother, Chased him, tripping one another, Screamed: Pensively Guidon once more Gazes seaward from the shore. Suddenly, before his sight Swam the graceful swan, snow-white. Why are you so dismal, say Like a gloomy, cloudy day? Nuts, most wondrous, I am told; Every shell is solid gold, Kernelsâ each an emerald pure. But can I of this be sure? Grieve notâ I will gladly do This slight service, prince, for you. There, beneath a firâ behold! Struck with wonder, Prince Guidon Whispered softly: God grant you felicity And such joy as you gave me. Crystal, glass, and silver gilt; Set a guard, a scribe as well, Who recorded every shell. Cannons with a mighty roar Bid the merchants put to shore; When the merchants land, Guidon Bids them be his guests anon; Feasts them first with meats and wine, Then he says: He, though, hastened to the shore, Where he met the swan once more, Told her that his heart was burning, For his sire, his soul was yearning On an island, far away, Stands a city, grand and gayâ Churches tall, with golden domes, Gardens green and stately homes; By the palace grows a fir In whose shade, O royal sir, Stands a crystal cage; and there Dwells a squirrel, strange and rareâ Full of frolic; all day long, Cracking nuts, it sings a song, Nuts, most wondrous to beholdâ Every shell is solid gold, Kernelsâ each an emerald bright; Sentries guard it day and night, It has slaves, like any lord, Yes, and scribes each nut record. Troops in passing give salute With their martial drum and flute. Maidens store these gems away Under lock and key each day; Coins are minted from each shell, Coins with which they buy and sell. People live in plenty there, Not in huts, but mansions fair. Prince Guidon reigns there, and he Sends his compliments to thee. And the weaver, smiling wryly, Thus addressed the tsar, most slyly: Nothing strange in this see I! Be this true, or but a lie, I know of a better wonder. The ocean swells in thunder, Surges with a mighty roar, Overflows a barren shore, Thirty stalwart knights and three, All in mail a-gleaming bright, Marching proudly left and right; Each one brave beyond compare, Tall of stature, young and fair, All alike beyond belief, Led by Chernomor, their chief. Turning pale, she gave a cryâ She was blinded in her eye. Screams of anger filled the airâ "Catch it! O you nasty insect, you! By the blue sea he is pacing, On the blue sea he is gazing. And once more, before his sight Swam the graceful swan, snow-white. All alike beyond belief, Led by Chernomor, their chief. Do not grieve; go home Page 3

4 and wait, Meet my brothers at your gate. Seethed and swept the barren shore, Leaving, wonderful to see, Thirty stalwart knights and three, All in mail a-gleaming bright, Marching proudly left and right, Two by two; and Chernomor, Hoary-headed, went before, Leading them in martial state Right up to the city gate, Prince Guidon, with flying feet, Ran in haste his guests to greet; Crowds pressed round in unbelief. Henceforth, from the ocean blue, We will always come to you Every day, on guard to stand By your lofty walls so grand. Cannons with a mighty roar Bid the merchants put to shore; When the merchants land, Guidon Bids them be his guests anon; Feasts them first with meat and wine, Then he says: Yes, and when your tsar you see, Give him compliments from me. He, though, hastened to the shore Where he met the swan once more; Told her that his heart was burning, For his sire, his soul was yearning So she drenched him, head to toe. In a trice, he shrank, and lo! Ere or he could even gasp, He had turned into a wasp. Then he buzzed, and rapidly Overtook the ship at sea; Gently settled aft, and stole Out of sight into a hole. Now his longed-for land so dear Stands out in the distance, clear. Now the ship at anchor rests, And the merchants, honored guests Palacewards their footsteps make With our gallant in their wake. On his headâ his jeweled crown, On his faceâ a pensive frown, Near himâ royal cook, and weaver And their mother, sly deceiver. With four eyes, though they be three, Stare at him voraciously. Tsar Saltan, with royal grace, Gave the merchants each his place. There, the ocean swells and thunders, Breakers, with a mighty roar, Foaming, flood its barren shore, Leaving, wonderful to see, Thirty stalwart knights and three All in mail a-gleaming bright Marching proudly left and right, Each one brave beyond compare Tall of stature, young and fair, All alike beyond belief; Marches with them from the deep, Counts them off, by twos, to keep Guard of this fair isle; and they Cease patrol nor night nor day. Nor can you find guards so true, Vigilant and fearless, too. But their mother, sly deceiver, Said, as she smiled crookedly: Idle mermen play Sentryâ go on land all day! Be this true, or but a lie, Nothing strange in this see Iâ Stranger things exist, mark youâ This report, though, is quite true: Brighter than the sun at noon, She outshines the midnight moon, In her braids a crescent beams, On her brow, a bright star gleams. She herself is sweet of face. Full of majesty and grace. When she speaks, her voice doth seem Like the music of a stream. Buzzing like a bumble-bee, Round his granny circled he, Stung her nose with all his might, Raising blisters red and white. Panic once more filled the air: O, you nasty insect, you! By the sea, the prince now paces, On the blue sea now he gazes, Suddenly, before Guidon Swam the graceful snow-white swan. She herself is sweet of face, Full of majesty and grace. When she speaks, her sweet voice seems Like the flow of tinkling streams. Is this true, though, or a lie? Pondered; then she said: Weigh this matter wellâ think twice, So that on your marriage morrow You do not repent in sorrow. Sighing thoughtfully, the swan Murmured: Know, your future bride is hereâ I am that princess, my dear. There, amid a clump of trees, Folded them with graceful ease, Shook herself, and then and there Turned into a maiden fairâ In her braids, a crescent beamed, On her brow, a bright star gleamed; She was sweet in form and face, Full of majesty and grace. When she spoke, her sweet voice seemed Like the flow of tinkling streams. He embraced the fair princess, Folded her unto his breast. Hand in hand with her he sped To his mother dear, and said, Falling on his bended knees: Cannons with a mighty roar Bid the merchants put to shore, When the merchants land, Guidon Bids them be his guests anon; Feasts them first with meat and wine, Then he says: We regret his long delay. Give him my regards. Guidon This time stayed with his fair bride, Never more to leave her side. Now his longed-for land, so dear, Stands out in the distance, clear. Now each merchant is the guest Of the tsar, by his behest. On his royal throne of state, Crowned in glory, there he sate, While the royal cook, and weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver, With four eyes, though they be three, Stared at him voraciously. Page 4

5 Chapter 3 : The Tale of Tsar Saltan : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. A Tour. For the first time in Israel - Rimsky-Korsakov's beguiling opera bases on a poem by Pushkin. First act 75 minutes, intermission 20 minutes, second act 55 minutes Translation: Israel Oval Special thanks to Julia Pevzner for helping with the opera translation The performance on The middle sister then promises to weave a grand beautiful linen. The youngest sister says that if she becomes the happy bride she will give the Tsar a son who will become a knight and a warrior. The Tsar enters and chooses the youngest sister for his bride and the two leave. Aided by the old woman Babarikha, the two remaining sister devise their revenge. Act I While the Tsar is leading his armies to war, his wife had given birth to a son. However, the young bride is desperate, as no response has arrived from the Tsar to the happy news. Her two sisters, who have become the cook Povarikha and the weaver Tkachikha at the court have already sent the Tsar the message informing him that his heir is actually neither a frog nor a mouse but a very strange animal. Suddenly a messenger from Saltan arrives ordering his people to put his wife and the young boy in a barrel and throw them into the sea. Act II Gvidon grows quickly inside the barrel and he and his mother eventually arrive at the island of Buyan. Gvidon, now a young man, goes to search for food and finds out a swan whom he rescues from a predator hawk. IN return the swan promises to reward him. Gvidon learns about his history from his mother, and the swan suddenly magically erects a city shinning like the sun on the idland. Its inhabitants hail Gvidon as their prince. Act III Gvidon enjoys life in the island but laments the fact that he does not even know his father. The swan promises to help him by turning him into a wasp. Gvidon in his disguise mounts a ship going back from Buyan and reaches the palace. The sailors tell the Tsar about the many wonders of the island including the squirrel that sings beautiful songs. Saltan decided he does want to visit the enchanted island and sets sails. Act IV Gvidon returns to his island and he now yearns to wed a wife. He tells the swan about the princess he has heard about in the palace and miraculously the swan transforms himself into that very princess. His mother and her women bless the happy couple.. The Tsar regrets the way in which he treated his wife long ago, and even though Gvidon tries to cheer him up by showing him the magic of the island, the Tsar cannot be comforted. The two sisters, who have obviously arrived as well, beg forgiveness from the joyous Tsar who happily pardons them. Everyone is ready to celebrate the marriage of Gvidon and his princess swan. Do you want to find out some back stage secrets? Do you want to meet the artists after the performance? The Israeli Opera enables you to widen your opera experience with a variety of pre performance and post-performance events. This is a unique opportunity to learn as much as possible about the production and meet the director, conductor, designers and some of the participating soloists. Musical excerpts from the opera illustrate the discussion. Pre Performance Lecture One hour before each opera performance there is a minute introductory lecture in the auditorium in Hebrew. Opera staffers present the opera and the production and enable the audience to get some extra information a short time before attending the performances. Admission is free for ticket holders. Pre Performance Back Stage Tours What happens backstage before the audience even thinks of getting dressed for the performance? What do the singers do? How does everyone prepare for the performance? Tours begin 90 minute before the performance begins and last 30 minutes. Tickets are 25NIS and can be booked in advance tickets for each tour are limited. Tours take place on several evenings in each production. Tours from groups both in Hebrew and in English can be booked in advance sarah tapac. The hour is late. Nut the experience was riveting. This is the time to meet several of the performers. Come to listen and to speak. A once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the artists who have just excited you on the stage. Opera Talkbacks takes place on the second level of the Opera House foyer and last around 30 minutes. Opera Talkback takes place on several evenings in each production. Page 5

6 Chapter 4 : The Tale of Tsar Saltan (opera) - Wikipedia The Tale of Tsar Saltan makes an excellent bedtime story for young children, and a wonderful addition to anyone's collection of lavishly-illustrated fairy tales. The Scarlet Flower If you get a wish to come to Saint-Petersburg, Moscow or any other Russian city, to learn more about Russian history, culture, to explore this wonderful country - you are welcome to contact us. We will provide visa support, accommodation, transportation, personalized sightseeing tours, booking and everything that might be needed. Please send your inquiry to alexp stpetersburg-guide. Long ago in a faraway kingdom, three sisters were outside in the courtyard talking, imagining what they would do if they were married to Tsar Saltan. One said that she would prepare a great feast for the entire world. The next said that she would weave linen for the entire world. The third said that she would give the tsar "an heir, handsome and brave beyond compare. When he heard the words of the last maiden, he fell in love and asked her to be his wife. They were married that very same night and conceived a son soon after. The other sisters were given jobs as a cook and a weaver. A few months later the tsar went to war and had to part with his beloved wife. While he was at war his wife, the queen, gave birth to his son. A rider was sent to the tsar to convey the good news. Of course, there was no way to disobey an order from the tsar, so the palace guards put the queen and her son into the barrel and rolled it into the water. As the queen wept inside the barrel, her son grew stronger, not by the day, but by the minute. He begged the waves to wash them onto dry land. The waves obeyed and he and his mother found themselves washed ashore on a deserted island. By now they were quite hungry, so the son made himself a bow and arrow, using small branches from a tree, and went hunting. Near the sea, he heard a screech and saw a poor swan struggling against a huge black hawk. For saving my life, I will serve you forever. The next morning they awoke and saw a wondrous city standing before them where there had been nothing before! The two walked into the city and throngs of people greeted them and crowned the young man a prince, proclaiming him Prince Gvidon. One day a merchant ship was sailing near the island when its sailors caught a glimpse of the amazing walled city. Prince Gvidon welcomed them and offered them food and drink. He asked what they had for sale and where they were going. Still, Prince Gvidon thought the best of people and could never quite believe that his father could do such a thing. As the merchant sailors were preparing to leave the island, the prince became sad when thinking about his father. Why are you so gloomy," the swan said. Then, with a splash of water, the swan turned the prince into a small gnat so that he could hide himself in a crack of the mast of the ship en route to see the tsar. The sailors told the tsar about the island and the walled city, and spoke of the hospitable Prince Gvidon. The tsar did not know that this Prince Gvidon was his son, but expressed a wish to see this beautiful city anyway. After he flew back to the island, Gvidon told the swan the story he heard about the remarkable squirrel. Then the prince walked into his courtyard and, lo and behold, there was the singing squirrel, sitting under a fir tree, cracking golden nuts! The prince rejoiced at this and ordered that a crystal house be built for the little animal. He placed a guard there to stand watch and ordered a scribe to record every shell. Profit for the prince, honor for the squirrel! Some time later, a second ship came to the island en route to the tsar and the prince again told the swan that he wished to see his father again. This time, the swan turned the prince into a fly so that he could hide in a crack of the ship. After the vessel arrived in the kingdom, the sailors told Tsar Saltan about the wondrous squirrel they had seen. Once home again, he told the swan about old Chernomor and the thirty-three knights, and lamented that he had never seen such a wonder. Suddenly, a giant wave rose high and deep onto the shore, and when it receded, thirty-three knights in armor, led by old Chernomor, emerged, ready to serve Prince Gvidon. They promised that they would come out of the sea each day to protect the city. A few months later, a third ship came to the island. In his customary fashion, the prince again made the sailors feel welcome and told them to send his respects to the tsar. This time the swan turned the prince into a bumblebee. The ship arrived in the kingdom and the sailors told Tsar Saltan about the wondrous city they had seen and how every day thirty-three knights and old Chernomor would emerge from the sea to protect the island. The tsar marveled at this and wanted to see this extraordinary land, but once again was talked out of it by the two sisters and old Barbarikha. When she speaks it is like the Page 6

7 murmur of a tranquil brook. A half moon is sparkling on her plait, and a bright star is shining on her forehead. Gvidon, the bumblebee, got angry at the women once more and stung Barbarikha on her nose. They tried to catch him, but to no avail. He was safely on his journey back home. After his arrival there, Gvidon strolled out to the seashore until he was met by the white swan. Gvidon said that he was sad because he did not have a wife. He related the tale he had heard of the beautiful princess whose beauty lit up the darkness, whose words flowed like a murmuring brook. The swan was silent for a while, then said that there was such a princess. At this, the swan sighed and said: The woman that you desire, Is now yours to spy. The princess is I. With this, she flapped her wings and turned into the beautiful woman that the prince had heard about. The two passionately embraced and kissed, and Gvidon took her to meet his mother. The prince and the beautiful maiden were married that very same evening. A short time later, another ship came to the island. As usual, Prince Gvidon welcomed the sailors and, as they were leaving, he asked the sailors to send his greetings to the tsar and to extend an invitation to him to visit. Being happy with his new bride, Gvidon decided not to leave the island this time. When the ship arrived at the kingdom of Tsar Saltan, the sailors again told the tsar of the fantastic island they had seen, of the singing squirrel cracking the golden nuts, of the thirty-three armored knights rising out of the sea, and of the lovely princess whose beauty was beyond compare. This time the tsar would not listen to the snide remarks of the sisters and Barbarikha. He called his fleet and set sail for the island immediately. When he reached the island, Prince Gvidon was there to meet the tsar. Saying nothing, Gvidon led him, along with his two sisters-in-law and Barbarikha, to the palace. Along the way, the tsar saw everything that he had heard so much about. There at the gates were the thirty-three knights and old Chernomor standing guard. There in the courtyard was the remarkable squirrel, singing a song and gnawing on a golden nut. And then the tsar saw something unexpected: The tsar recognized her immediately. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he rushed to embrace her, and years of heartache were now forgotten. He then realized that Prince Gvidon was his son, and the two threw their arms around each other as well. A merry feast was held. The two sisters and Barbarikha hid in shame, but eventually they were found. They burst into tears, confessing everything. But the tsar was so happy that he let them all go. The tsar and the queen and Prince Gvidon and the princess lived the rest of their days in happiness. Off The Beaten Path: Page 7

8 Chapter 5 : The Tale of Tsar Saltan Russian folk tale The Tale of Tsar Saltan Long ago in a faraway kingdom, three sisters were outside in the courtyard talking, imagining what they would do if they were married to Tsar Saltan. One said that she would prepare a great feast for the entire world. Prologue[ edit ] On a wintry evening three sisters are sitting at spinning wheels. As Tsar Saltan overhears from outside the door, the oldest sister boasts that, if she were Tsaritsa the bride of the Tsar, she would prepare a sumptuous feast; the middle sister would weave a grand linen; the youngest promises to bear, as son for the Tsar, a bogatyr warrior-knight. Saltan enters, chooses the third sister to be his bride "Zdravstvuy, krasnaya devitsa! In his palace in Tmutarakan, the Tsaritsa has given birth to a son, to whom a chorus of nannies sings a lullaby "Bayushki, bayushki! Her sisters are with Babarikha now part of the court: But all this is to no avail. Then a messenger stumbles in, having been waylaid with drink by Babarikha. Introduction â Militrisa and Gvidon Afloat In the Barrel Scene The Tsaritsa and her son Gvidon have landed on the island of Buyan, and broken out of the barrel in which they were trapped. Gvidon, who has grown remarkably rapidly into a young man, is searching for sustenance. While doing this, he rescues a swan from being killed by a kite., "lollipop" to arise magically on the island. Gvidon is hailed by its inhabitants as its Prince. The Swan-Bird will help him by changing him into a bumblebee. The two older sisters are concerned that the Tsar will become interested in visiting the island, and they try to dissuade him. In retaliation the bumble-bee Gvidon stings each of them in the brow. Babarikha then tries to trump the sailors, by speaking of a fabulous Princess on the sea, at which point Gvidon stings her in the eye and blinds her. Saltan decides to visit the island, but, in view of the havoc caused by the bumblebee, forbids that breed of insect from ever entering the palace again. The Swan-Bird transforms herself into that very Princess. His mother and a chorus of maidens enter, and bless the prospect of their wedding. Orchestral interlude â Three Wonders Scene 2 Gvidon, with his mother hidden, awaits the arrival of Saltan. When the ship arrives with the Tsar and his retinue, Gvidon greets him, and questions him as to whether or not he will have a son to carry on his work. The older sisters beg forgiveness, which in his happiness Saltan grants. Everyone then joins in a celebration of the upcoming wedding of Gvidon and the Princess-Swan. A link to the Russian-English libretto with transliteration: Chapter 6 : The Tale of Tsar Saltan Originally composed to celebrate Pushkin's centenary, the full title of the work - 'The Tale of Tsar Saltan, of His Son the Renowned and Mighty Bogatyr Prince Gvidon Saltanovich, and of the Beautiful Princess-Swan' - is indicative of the fantastical content of the opera. Chapter 7 : The Tale of Tsar Saltan by Alexander Pushkin Originally composed to celebrate Pushkin's centenary, the full title of the work - The Tale of Tsar Saltan, of His Son the Renowned and Mighty Bogatyr Prince Gvidon Saltanovich, and of the Beautiful Princess-Swan - is indicative of the fantastical content of the opera. Chapter 8 : RIMSKY-KORSAKOV The Tale of Tsar Saltan blog.quintoapp.com Obsessed with perfecting his craft, young gemcutter Danilo visits the mystical Copper Mountain to uncover the secret behind its infamous attraction - the Stone Flower, a stone carving so captivating that no one can leave after seeing it. Chapter 9 : Opera review: The Tale of Tsar Saltan Music The Guardian "The Tale of Tsar Saltan" is a Russian folktale by Alexander Pushkin along with illustrations by Gennady Spirin and it is Page 8

9 about how a young prince named Prince Guidon is separated from his father Tsar Saltan, after a terrible plot was formed by his mother's jealous sisters and the Tsar's cruel cousin. Page 9