Opera Performances in Sergey P. Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons”: Modest P. Mussorgsky

Main Article Content

Elena E. Potyarkina

Abstract

The article is devoted to the performances of operas by M.P. Mussorgsky in S.P. Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons”. The significant role of opera performances in the extensive repertoire of the Diaghilev troupe is noted. Among them an important place is occupied by Mussorgsky՚s operas – “Boris Godunov” and “Khovanshchina”. Fragments from “Boris Godunov” performed by F. Chaliapin were presented in the program of “Historical Concerts” organized by Diaghilev in 1907. Music by M.P. Mussorgsky, coupled with the interpretation of the brilliant singer, created an incredible sensation, which became a kind of starting point for Russian Seasons.


Special attention is paid to the significant contribution of S.P. Diaghilev, who did a lot of preparation, including archival work, as well as the boldness of his director’s versions in the productions of “Boris Godunov” and “Khovanshchina”. Looking at the author’s claviers, he discovered many interesting fragments left behind the scenes in version by N. Rimsky-Korsakov. The aspiration to return these musical finds sometimes clashed with the Diaghilev’s format conception, in particular, with the required duration of the performance. Emphasizing the severity of the conflicts, originally laid down in Mussorgsky’s operas, Diaghilev set his own dramatic accents. Thanks to special directorial versions, “Boris Godunov” and “Khovanshchina” caused a great resonance and became a significant achievement of “Russian Seasons”.


Keywords: Sergey Diaghilev, Modest Mussorgsky, “Russian Seasonsˮ, Russian opera, operas
by M.P. Mussorgsky, “Boris Godunovˮ, “Khovanshchinaˮ, Fyodor Chaliapin.

Article Details

How to Cite
Potyarkina Е. Е. (2021). Opera Performances in Sergey P. Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons”: Modest P. Mussorgsky. Music Scholarship / Problemy Muzykal’noj Nauki, 45(4), 103–110. Retrieved from https://musicscholar.ru/index.php/PMN/article/view/1313
Section
Russian Music History
Author Biography

Elena E. Potyarkina, Moscow State P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatoire

PhD (Arts), Associate Professor at the History of Russian Music Department