Assignment A1 - Opera

The Tsar’s Bride

The opera I chose to watch for the assignment was The Tsar’s Bride (1899) by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Through research I found out that this opera is an adaptation of a play originally written by Lev Mey, a Russian dramatist and poet (The Tsar’s Bride). The Tsar’s Bride is a four act opera that takes place in Moscow Russia in the year 1572 under the reign of Ivan IV Vasilyevich or more commonly known as Ivan the Terrible (The Tsar’s Bride). The opera focuses on the story of a merchant’s daughter who is engaged to one suitor while there is another suitor in love with her that is determine to stop her marriage no matter the cost or consequences. NPR (National Public Radio) describes the opera as “a complex, psychological drama, steeped in history” (Scott).The opera illustrates the trails and obstacles various characters go through to achieve their desired outcome of the situation. The overall themes of this opera surrounds the ideas of the effects of heartbreak and revenge.

I think this opera holds some significance because it illustrates “a single, mysterious event during Ivan's long reign, his brief marriage to Marfa Sobakin, his third wife, who died just days after their wedding in 1571” (Scott). Also instead of this opera being told from Ivan’s side, which is probably the more well-known side, it is from a different and unexpected perspective, Marfa’s side. Another important aspect of this opera is that Ivan’s character is never in the actual opera. While watching the opera at times Ivan would be talked about or would be mention but he was never actually seen. The only reason Ivan is relevant in the opera is partially due to the characters who play a part of his oprichniki, “who were a group of men in an organization created by Ivan who were tasked with governing specific parts of Russia during his reign” (Scott). These characters play a major role in the opera and “include some of the opera's most compelling characters” (Scott).

I really enjoyed watching this opera. I now have a new found appreciation for opera because there are so many elements that have to come together in order for the story behind the opera to be illustrated correctly and be compelling to the audience. Before this assignment I had never been to or seen an opera before. I have seen the Broadway musical The Lion King. In many ways the two share similar characteristics, but they are also have their differences. In both forms of entertainment their use of music, set design, costume, and lighting are very important in enhancing the experience of the viewers and the overall telling of the story.

Originally when this opera was performed I think the audience was probably amazed. The amount of time and work that goes into making an opera is amazing and should be acknowledged. Overall The Tsar’s Bride was very interesting and I enjoyed watching it.

An important element I noticed is that for most operas the music played by the orchestra is an essential element of the entire opera. Not only is the music important just because of the opera singers but the music helps set the tone for what is going on and it helps convey what a character might be feeling. For example, if a character is angry the music the orchestra plays might be very loud with harsh or abrupt pauses and various harsh single notes. While if a character is happy, the music is probably upbeat with a catchy tune. This aspect is the same for film, television, and many other forms of entertainment. The music that is played for instance in a film or a television episode is important because the music helps convey a feeling the viewer is supposed to feel. When considering mise en scene, which is how all the elements of a single scene or shot in a film, play, etc., come together to convey a certain feeling. Not only is the music important but everything else that is a contributing factor to the opera is as well. For The Tsar’s Bride the stage design was very simple and did not have much significance. The props on stage never really changed throughout the entire opera but they were moved around the stage as needed when needed to. In my personal opinion, I think the stage design could have been better to better help understand where the scenes were taking place. Also there was only use of white spot lights on characters and a group of blue lights for the background that gave the opera a. somber feeling. The lights would help create various shadows on the walls around the stage that would help create a sense of depth. The spotlights helped single out main characters when things on stage seemed to get chaotic on stage. The costumes were very elaborate and each costume in a way seemed to go along with the personality traits of the character that was wearing it. Lyubasha’s character only wore only a black dress, symbolizing her heartbreak, anger, and desire for revenge. While Marfa wore a red, gold, and white dress symbolizing her purity, desire for love, and happiness. All the elements of the opera might have not been perfect in my opinion but they were able to help me better understand the opera as a whole.

Now, in the 21^st century if I had to turn this opera into a video game, I think I would make it a quest style game. Players could have the option to choose between either being the person who finds out the secrets and saves Marfa’s life or be the one end her life. Players would have to overcome each obstacle that stands in there way, but in the end they will either have what it takes to be the hero or the killer of the story. I think what would be really interesting about the game is that the player has the ability to choose and can play from two different perspectives. The player can be the hero of the story and either succeed or fail or they can be the villain of the story and still either succeed or fail. Getting away with something that is bad or unethical is always appealing especially in video games because it is not reality.

Works Cited

Scott, Bruce. “Lyrical Epic: Rimsky-Korsakov's 'The Tsar's Bride'.” NPR, 17 June 2011, www.npr.org/2011/06/17/137232895/lyrical-epic-rimsky-korsakovs-the-tsars-bride. Accessed 20 September 2018.

 “The Tsar's Bride.” Opera - Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia, www.bolshoirussia.com/performance/the_tsars_bride/. Accessed 20 September 20, 2018.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=adr4JEa8AzY