An opera on a Circassian theme: Georges Bizet's "Ivan IV"

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• published: 18 Aug 2012
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"Circassian Minstrels" presents... An opera on a Circassian theme: Georges Bizet's "Ivan IV" Libretto by Francois-Hippolyte Leroy and Henri Trianon "Ivan IV" (1867; completed posthumously), an opera in five acts and six tableaux, was composed by the famous French musical composer Georges Bizet (1838-1875). Bizet is best known for his popular opera "Carmen" (1875). BBC Northern Orchestra & Chorus Conductor: Bryden Thomson 3 October 1975 Video presentation arranged by Amjad Jaimoukha Produced by Sanjalay Jaimoukha The libretto narrative is not a faithful representation of the actual historical events. For a historical account of Maria and an essay on the importance of this episode in Circassian history, refer to: http://jaimoukha.synthasite.com/statue-of-maria-teimriqwe-yidar.php The exquisite Circassian maiden Gwascheney (or Gwaschene; Гуащэней, е Гуащэнэ), daughter of Temryuk (Temrouk) Idar (Teimriqwe Yidar; Идар и къуэ Темрыкъуэ), was betrothed to Ivan IV (1530-1584) on 21 August 1561 AD, to cement the treaty between Temryuk, Prince of Princes of Kabarda (Eastern Circassia), and Ivan the Terrible, "Tsar of All Russia". Tsarina Maria Temryukovna (Мария Темрюковна; 1544-1569), as was Gwascheney baptised upon marriage, was married to Ivan for eight years until her early death at the age of 25 on 1 September 1569. Ivan IV (the Terrible) John Noble - Ivan IV (Tsar of Russia) Jeanette Scovotti - Maria Temrouk (daughter of Temrouk) John Brecknock -- Igor (brother of Maria) Nielsen Taylor -- Yorloff (a Russian boyar) Richard Angas -- Temrouk (Prince of Circassia) Patricia Kern - The young Bulgarian Barbara Rebotham - Olga (sister of Ivan) David Lennox -- A Russian officer Dennis Nelson -- A Circassian Act 1: In the Caucasus Women are collecting water from a spring; a stranger who has lost his way asks for help. Maria, daughter of Temrouk, offers to show him the path. A second stranger, Ivan in disguise, enters and leaves with the young stranger. Russian soldiers burst in and order Temrouk to surrender his daughter to them. The prince refuses, but when an officer threatens to murder the children, Maria goes with them. Igor arrives as the Circassians lament their fate, and he vows to kill the enemy. Temrouk orders that the avenger must be chosen by lot; it is Igor. Act 2: A banquet in the Kremlin Boyars celebrating the victory of Ivan over the Tartars. Condemned criminals pass by begging for mercy but in vain. Ivan congratulates Yorloff, who had uncovered the conspiracy, and commands the young Bulgarian to sing of his homeland. The Tsar responds with a battle song. Ivan had sought the most beautiful girl in the land to be his wife. Yorloff is confident that his own daughter will be chosen, and a group of maidens enter the hall. Ivan commands them to remove their veils, but Maria refuses. Although she is forced to do this, she refuses to become his wife. Ivan's sister Olga passes through in a religious procession and Maria puts herself under her protection. Act 3: Kremlin courtyard People sing praises on the marriage of Ivan and Maria. The cortege approaches and Igor steals on. Temrouk also enters at this moment. Yorloff reveals to Igor that he too has a grievance against Ivan and the three of them prepare to assassinate Ivan that night. Act 4: A room outside the nuptial chamber Maria muses on her fate -- she has fallen in love with Ivan. Ivan enters to lead her to the nuptial boat on the Volga. Yorloff tells the Tsar that he will watch out for assassins, and when Ivan has left admits Igor. When Maria enters, brother and sister embrace and is horrified when Igor tells her he has come to kill the Tsar. Igor is about to stab her when Maria reminds him that their mother had placed her under the protection of her brother. He forgives his sister and embraces her. Ivan and Yorloff enter and the latter denounces Igor. Ivan, heartbroken by Maria's supposed treachery hesitates to condemn her. An officer enters to announce that the Kremlin is on fire and enemies are attacking the gates. Ivan condemns Igor and Maria then collapses. Act 5 Scene 1 -- The walls of the Kremlin Temrouk is agonised by events: his children have been condemned to death. Ivan has regained his senses and enters, and when the bell announcing death of a tsar tolls, they both rush off to the palace. Scene 2 -- A hall in the Kremlin Yorloff proclaims himself regent, as the Tsar had lost his reason. The courtiers call for the death of Igor and Maria. Ivan bursts in and reveals Yorloff's plots and condemns him to die. Courtiers sing praises to Ivan and Maria.