Opera Sergei Prokofiev "The Love for Three Oranges" opera (semi-staged performance) World famous Mariinsky Ballet and Opera Theatre - Opera and Concert Hall
Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes
The performance has 1 intermission
Schedule for Sergei Prokofiev "The Love for Three Oranges" opera (semi-staged performance) 2022
Composer: Sergei Prokofiev Principal Chorus Master: Andrei Petrenko Musical Preparation: Larisa Gergieva Stage Director: Alexander Maskalin Lighting Designer: Roman Peskov Principal Chorus Master: Dmitry Ralko
Orchestra: Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra
Opera in 2 act
Performed in Russian, with synchronised English supertitles
Premiere of this production: 18 February 1926, Leningrad State Academic Theatre, Russia
Music by Sergei Prokofiev Libretto by Sergei Prokofiev based on a
scenario by Vsevolod Meyerhold, Vladimir Solovyov and Konstantin Vogak after the
fabia by Carlo Gozzi
Synopsis
Tragedians, Comedians, Lyric Poets and Empty-Heads are arguing over what
performance they wish to see today. Some insist on a tragedy, others want a
comedy. The Ridiculous People appear. They call for the audience to be silent
and they begin their narrative.
The King of Clubs is in despair. His son the Crown Prince is dying of
hypochondria. The doctors declare the case hopeless, but the King recalls the
miraculous power of laughter. Pantaloon, the Kingґs confidant, calls Truffaldino
for help, and the King orders him to organise entertainments for the court.
The fate of the Prince and the ambitious Prime Minister Leandro is being
played out in a game of cards. The Wizard Celio, who is trying to restore peace
and harmony to the world, is playing against Fata Morgana, a ruthless and
jealous witch who seeks the Princeґs death and who is protecting Leandro and the
Kingґs scheming niece Clarissa.
Clarissa dreams of ascending the throne and marrying Leandro. But to do this
she must first take care of the Prince, and Clarissa presents Leandro with an
ultimatum: "Give the Prince either opium or a bullet". The slave Smeraldina
overhears and tells Clarissa and Leandro that Fata Morgana is on their side.
With immense effort Truffaldino makes the Prince get out of his cosy bed and
come to the festivities organised specially for him.
The performance is a disaster and the Prince falls into hopeless
despondency. But the unexpected appearance of Fata Morgana draws his attention.
She goes straight to the Prince, and Truffaldino, attempting to stop her, trips
her up. Fata Morgana falls down and her ungainly pose makes the Prince laugh.
The furious witch curses the Prince: he will have no peace and will fall in love
with three oranges. Immediately the Prince is seized with the desire to depart
and find the oranges. Truffaldino is ready to go with him.
During their quest to find Creonteґs castle and the three cherished oranges,
the Prince and Truffaldino find themselves in a desert. Farfarello, disguised as
the wind, blows them onwards, hastening them towards the dangers that await them
at Creonteґs castle. The Wizard Celio tries to help him and frightens the Prince
and Truffaldino with their forthcoming trials. But the Prince is resolute. Celio
then gives Truffaldino a magic ribbon and warns that the oranges may be peeled
only when water is close by.
The Prince and Truffaldino arrive at Creonteґs castle at last. Almost
overcome with fear, the wanderers enter Creonteґs kitchen. Their path is barred
by a terrifying cook. Truffaldino catches his attention with the magic ribbon
while the Prince steals the three oranges.
The Prince and Truffaldino wander exhausted across the boiling desert –
the oranges have grown in size and weight. The Prince falls asleep and
Truffaldino decides to quench his thirst with orange juice. Instead of juice,
the orange reveals a Princess who begs for water. In despair and wishing to save
her, Truffaldino peels the second orange. But it contains a second Princess who
also wants water. Both Princesses die before the distraught Truffaldino. Driven
mad by his helplessness, Truffaldino has but one option: to run away.
The Prince awakes. He cannot wait to see what is hidden inside the last
orange. Yet another Princess appears. She declares her love for the Prince and
says that she awaits salvation. Like the other Princesses, Ninetta begs for
water. The Ridiculous People come to help: with them they bring a pail of water.
Ninetta is saved. The Prince heads for the palace to inform the King of his
impending marriage. Meanwhile Smeraldina, using a magic pin given by Fata
Morgana, turns the Princess into a rat and takes Ninettaґs place.
The Wizard Celio and Fata Morgana are in a heated quarrel about the fate of
our heroes. Once again the Ridiculous People come to the rescue. They succeed in
disposing of the witch. Now the Wizard Celio can rescue the bride and groom.
In the throne room of the royal palace all is ready for the Princeґs
wedding. Suddenly the courtiers notice a huge rat. Celio removes the curse and
the rat turns back into Princess Ninetta. Clarissa, Leandro and Smeraldinaґs
treachery is exposed. The King orders the execution of the conspirators. They
attempt to flee and are aided by Fata Morgana, who has taken refuge in the
netherworld. The King and the courtiers honour the delighted Prince and Princess
as newlyweds.
Schedule for Sergei Prokofiev "The Love for Three Oranges" opera (semi-staged performance) 2022
|