A quarter of a century ago, a production directed by Mark Zakharov at the Theater named after them was called a theatrical sensation. Lenin's Komsomol rock opera by Alexei Rybnikov to a libretto by Andrei Voznesensky. And it’s not surprising, then, back in 1981, Orthodox prayers and chants, the St. Andrew’s flag, the Mother of God with the Child Jesus on the stage of Lenkom - all this seemed like a miracle. And the history of this work began with the meeting of Rybnikov and Voznesensky.
- a real, albeit sad, love story between the Russian traveler Nikolai Rezanov and the daughter of the governor of San Francisco, Maria Conchita Arguello de la Concepcion. The huge age difference, thousands of kilometers separating the lovers, will not allow the lovers to live happily.
This sublimely tragic love story inspired Andrei Voznesensky to create the poem “Maybe,” which was later reworked by the author into the libretto of the opera. Rybnikov has long wanted to combine traditional Orthodox chants with elements of modern musical language. And when Andrei Voznesensky approached him with the text of his poem “Maybe,” written on the basis of authentic historical facts, Rybnikov began working on a rock opera.
The plot of the rock opera “Juno and Avos”
Two sailing ship"Juno" and "Avos" under Russian flag arrive in California, where the captain of the brig "Avos" is Russian Count Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov fell in love with a local beauty Maria dela Conception Arguello, daughter of the commandant of the fortress of San Francisco. The love of the count and the young Spanish woman aroused the jealousy and hatred of the rival in love with her. Urgent departure Ryazanov to their homeland separated the lovers. Waiting for several years for permission to marry a Catholic woman, the count died near Krasnoyarsk without achieving it. A Conchita she waited for him for 35 years until she received reliable information about his death, after which she took a vow of silence and retired to a monastery.
“Juno and Avos” is the most famous and still popular Russian rock opera. The premiere of the play took place in 1981 at the Moscow Lenin Komsomol Theater, on whose stage it continues to this day.
Composer
The author of the music for the play is A. L. Rybnikov. He was born in Moscow on July 17, 1945. His parents were people creative professions: mother is an artist-designer, and father is a violinist. Alexey Lvovich began writing music at the age of 8. His first compositions were pieces for piano, and at the age of 11 he wrote the ballet “Puss in Boots.” A.L. Rybnikov graduated from the conservatory in composition class, his teacher was Aram Khachaturian.
In addition to the work “Juno and Avos,” Alexey Lvovich wrote another legendary rock opera, “The Star and Death of Joaquin Murrieta.” He is the author of music for the mystery "Liturgy of the Catechumens", for the musical drama "Maestro Massimo", for the modern opera "War and Peace", for such films as: "Treasure Island", "That Same Munchausen", "The Tale of Star boy", "Andersen - Life without Love", "The Adventures of Pinocchio", "Little Red Riding Hood", "The Brothers Karamazov", etc., as well as cartoons: "The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats on new way", "Black chicken", the "Moomin Troll" series, etc. In addition, A.L. Rybnikov writes symphonic, chamber and choral music. And there is no doubt that his awarding the title of People's Artist in 1999 is quite fair.
Plot
The most famous work The rock opera “Juno and Avos” was and remains by composer A.L. Rybnikov. A brief summary of the performance will be presented in this article. The plot is based on the poem of the same name written by Andrei Voznesensky. She introduces us to true history which happened at the beginning of the 19th century. Russian statesman Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov in 1806 took a trip to California, where he met Conchita, the daughter of the commandant of San Francisco.
So, “Juno and Avos” ( summary The opera will be described further in detail) - this is a story about how Nikolai Rezanov, as part of the expedition he led, stopped in California on the way to Alaska. At the ball, he meets sixteen-year-old Conchita, who falls in love with him. After getting engaged to her, Nikolai Rezanov is forced to continue the expedition and leave his bride in California. On the way to St. Petersburg, where he was going to apply for permission to marry Conchita, since she is a Catholic, Nikolai Petrovich falls ill and dies. Conchita waited for him for many years and did not believe that he was dead, and having received confirmation of his death, she became a nun and took a vow of silence.
Prologue
The rock opera “Juno and Avos” (the summary goes hand in hand with the work itself) begins with a prologue. Nikolai Petrovich prays, calling on the Lord and the Motherland. After which a prophet appears on stage and predicts to Russia that the difficult year 1812 is coming soon.
The first act of the rock opera "Juno and Avos"
The summary of the first part is as follows: after the funeral service in the church of his wife, Rezanov submits a petition to Count Rumyantsev to support his project - the first round-the-world trip in the history of Russia, which he intends to lead in order to establish friendly relations with America, which promises great benefits for Russia . Having received the go-ahead from Rumyantsev, N.P. Rezanov sets sail.
Second act
Rock opera “Juno and Avos” summary (second part) tells about what is happening to the heroes already in America. The scene begins with Nikolai Petrovich writing a letter to A.N. Rumyantsev about the state in which his expedition arrived on the shores of California, and how they were greeted by local residents. Next, the action moves to the ballroom. This is where N.P. Rezanov met Conchita, in honor of whose 16th birthday a ball was given. Nikolai Petrovich presents the commandant's daughter with a gift - a golden diadem from the collection of Empress Catherine. After the ball, Rezanov enters Conchita's bedroom and seduces her. The girl falls in love with him, and he only feels remorse. During confession, the girl tells everything to her confessor, which he reports to her father, who insists on an engagement in order to hide his daughter’s dishonor. Rezanov and Conchita get engaged, after which he sails away, but he is never destined to return to her. For thirty years Conchita waited for the return of N.P. Rezanov, not believing the rumors about his death.
The famous poem Juno and Avos of Russian modern opera, written in 1970. In those years, they avoided using the word “rock opera” because rock was banned. But the fact is obvious - this was the first Russian rock opera.
It remains the most popular to this day. One of the great playwrights said: “For a play to be successful, it must have a positive ending, where everyone is happy. And only a genius can afford to create a performance with a tragic ending.”
The masterpiece is not destined to sink into oblivion! An exciting and charming story in its production went around the whole world. The first premiere of the opera abroad took place at the Espace Cardin in Paris in 1983. Buy tickets for Juno and maybe you will see a legend that continues to capture the hearts of people today.
It just so happened that all the components of this performance turned out to be brilliant: poetry, music, staging. The plot incredibly captivated its creators. The libretto of Juno and Avos is based on the true events of 1806 surrounding the love story of Nikolai Rezanov, a Russian nobleman, and Maria Concepcion Arguello, the daughter of the Spanish governor of Alta California.
Voznesensky was inspired to create his own poem by the diaries of Count Rezanov, a book about Rezanov’s expedition by George Alexandra Lensen, the ballad “Conception de Arguello” by Francis Bret Harte, and read Pyotr Tikhmenev’s “History of the Russian-American Company.”
Come share the excitement of the famous dramatic production "Juno and Avos" - the story romantic love, so famous by poets and writers. Their love story is like love stories Alexander the Great and Thais of Athens, Antony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet - worthy of admiration.
Original story: Juno and Avos
The opera is named after the two sailing ships Juno and Avos, which formed the expedition of the Russian explorer. Voznesensky never claimed that the opera was historically accurate, but the characters in his poem are an echo of the destinies of real people.
Conchita was just a teenager when the Russian ship arrived in San Francisco Bay. Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov, the envoy of Tsar Alexander I, has a difficult mission: he needs to establish trade relations with the Spanish side of colonial North America. There was a desperate need to provide food to the Russian settlement of Sitka, Alaska. The task was complicated by the fact that Spain was an ally of Napoleon.
Perhaps the mission would have been a failure if it had not been for the mutual love that broke out between the 15-year-old beauty Conchita, a young Spaniard, and the Russian captain Rezanov. Their love was not hindered by barriers of religion, language, or age. The girl's shocked parents give their consent to their engagement. This wedding was supposed to be a friendly alliance between Spain and Russia.
Nikolai must return to St. Petersburg in order to obtain permission for a mixed Orthodox-Catholic marriage. On the way, he fell ill with pneumonia, and also suffered a head injury when he fell from a horse and died near Krasnoyarsk. Concepcion, however, waits patiently for him: every day she goes to the cape to meet him. This is now the site of the Golden Gate Bridge.
After 5 years, she receives reliable information informing her of his death.
After the death of her lover, Concepcion remains to live in her parents' house for another 20 years, struggling with thoughts of tragedy and constantly refusing all her many fans. During these years, she has been involved in charitable activities in California, Guadalajara, and Mexico. Then she joined the sisterhood of the Dominican monastery, where she lived until 1857.
Even if we return to Earth
We are secondary, according to Hafiz
Maybe we can warm up with you
I'll never see you again!
Their sad love story ended more than two centuries ago, but thanks to the soulful poems set to beautiful music, this story seems to live forever.
For more than 30 years, the phenomenal rock opera “Juno and Avos” continues to excite hearts, immersing viewers in the romantic world of two lovers: Count Rezanov and young Conchita. Their sad love story ended more than two centuries ago, but thanks to the soulful poems set to beautiful music, this story seems to live forever.
Background
The modern opera “Juno and Avos” is based on real events, which occurred back in the 18th century. In St. Petersburg, a son, Nikolai, was born into the impoverished noble family of the Rezanovs. The boy received a good education at home and showed brilliant abilities for learning languages. In addition, by the age of 14 he had grown handsome beyond his years and was able to enroll in military service to the artillery. For quite short time An ambitious and purposeful young man, he changed several positions and rose to the rank of ruler of the chancellery under the secretary of Catherine II, Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin.
Portrait of the correspondent of the Russian-American trading company, Count Nikolai Rezanov, by an unknown artist.
However, the appearance of the young, tall, handsome Rezanov at court aroused fears among the Empress's new favorite, Count Zubov. The latter, deciding to remove a potential rival from the road, ordered Nikolai to be sent to Irkutsk. In the province, Rezanov was supposed to inspect the trading activities of the merchant and traveler Grigory Shelikhov, known as the Russian Columbus. He became the founder of the first Russian settlements in America; it was with the help of Shelikhov that Alaska became part of the Russian Empire under Catherine II. From that moment on, Rezanov’s fate was forever connected with Russian America. He married Shelikhov's daughter, young Anna, and both benefited greatly from this marriage. Shelikhov strengthened his position at court, his daughter received noble title and all the privileges associated with it, and Nikolai became a co-owner of huge capital. By order of Paul I, who succeeded the Empress, a single Russian-American company was created on the basis of the Shelikhov trading company and the companies of other Siberian merchants (CANCER). Of course, Rezanov became its authorized representative, who made every effort to merge the companies into one powerful organization. At his new post, Rezanov submitted a petition to the emperor to establish sea communications with Russian settlers in America. Due to the irregular and long delivery of food from Russia, they often received food that was expired and no longer suitable for consumption. By 1802 a plan had been developed trip around the world, the goals of which were to inspect Russian settlements in Alaska and establish ties with Japan. However, preparations for the expedition for the count were overshadowed by the death of his wife. Anna died 12 days after the birth of their second child. The inconsolable widower was about to resign and devote himself to raising his children, but was stopped by the order of the emperor. He appointed Rezanov as envoy to Japan and leader of the first Russian round-the-world expedition. In 1803, the count set off on two ships “Nadezhda” and “Neva”.
The brainchild of geniuses
Country rising sun kept the diplomat on her soil for six months and ultimately refused to do business with Russia. After the failed mission, Rezanov continued his journey to Alaska. Arriving at the place, he was amazed: the settlers lived on the verge of starvation, in devastation, and scurvy “flourished.” Seeing the confusion of the ruler of Russian America, Baranov, Rezanov, using his own funds, purchased the frigate “Juno” with a cargo of food from a visiting merchant. However, it was clear that these products would not last long. Then the count ordered the construction of another ship - the tender "Avos". For provisions, he decided to go to the rich and prosperous Fort San Francisco in California, and at the same time establish trade relations with the Spaniards, under whose rule this part of America was. The action unfolds from this journey famous rock opera“Juno and Avos”, although at first there was only “Avos”. The poet Andrei Voznesensky wrote the poem “Maybe!”, based on Rezanov’s travel diary and the notes of J. Lensen, who had a very high opinion of the Russian count. The poem told sad story the love of 42-year-old Rezanov and 15-year-old Spaniard Conchita, a girl whom Nikolai met on the Californian coast.
Anna Bolshova as Conchita and Dmitry Pevtsov as Nikolai Rezanov on the stage of the Lenkom Theater in the rock opera “Juno and Avos”
When director Mark Zakharov approached Voznesensky with a request to write a libretto for the plot of “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign,” the poet was not at a loss and suggested instead that the play be based on his poem. The director agreed, and invited Alexey Rybnikov as a composer. Thus, thanks to the initiative of three geniuses, one of the most piercing musical performances XX century, which became a sensation both in the USSR and abroad. The rock opera premiered on July 9, 1981 on the stage of the Lenkom Theater. Those who were lucky enough to participate in the production of the rock opera later admitted that the performance owed its stunning success to love. Every syllable and every note of the work is imbued with an atmosphere of love and inspiration, and even with the replacement of familiar and beloved actors, the opera does not lose its charm. But still, the version of the play with Nikolai Karachentsev and Elena Shanina - the first Rezanov and Conchita - is considered canonical. "I will never forget you" The events described in the rock opera are romantic, and the main characters are full of love and self-sacrifice. Reality differs from fiction, but, oddly enough, only slightly. When Juno and Avos arrived in California in 1806, the Spaniards greeted the Russians unfriendly and refused to sell them anything. However, quite soon, the governor of San Francisco, Jose de Arguello, succumbed to Rezanov’s diplomatic gift of persuasion and charm, especially since the governor’s young daughter, the beautiful Maria dela Concepcion, or, simply, Conchita, fell in love with the count. Despite the fact that Rezanov was already 42 years old, he had not lost his spirit at all. attractiveness, in addition, he was famous, rich and moved in the highest circles of society. Conchita's contemporaries claimed that Conchita's desire to marry a Russian count contained as much love as calculation; she supposedly dreamed of a luxurious life at court in St. Petersburg, but subsequent events proved the sincerity of her feelings for Rezanov. The Count stayed in San Francisco for only six weeks, but during this time he managed to successfully complete his mission and even more: he obtained provisions for the starving people from Alaska, enlisted the support of the Spanish governor and became engaged to Conchita. At first, Jose de Arguello did not want to marry his daughter to the Russian count. Her parents took the girl to confession and convinced her to give up such an unexpected marriage, but Conchita was adamant. Then they only had to give their blessing for the engagement, but the final decision on the issue of marriage was behind the Roman throne.
“Portrait of Conchita” by the American artist of Russian origin Anatoly Sokolov and actress Elena Shanina, who performed the role of Conchita in the first production of the play “Juno and Avos”
An obstacle arose on the path to happiness for the lovers. Rezanov was Orthodox, Conchita was Catholic. In order for the floor To obtain permission for marriage, Nicholas had to submit a petition to Emperor Alexander I to intercede for them with the Pope. Having made Conchita promise that she would
will have to wait for him for two years while he seeks permission, Rezanov, with ships filled with fresh cargo, went to Alaska, and then to the emperor in Petersburg. However, the harsh Russian winter and the long journey through Siberia undermined the diplomat's strength. Due to a severe cold, Rezanov lay unconscious and feverish for almost two weeks. In serious condition, he was brought to Krasnoyarsk, where he died on March 1, 1807. When the news of the count's death reached Conchita, she did not believe him. True to her promise, she waited for Rezanov and for a year every morning she came to a high cape, from where she peered into the ocean. Over the following years, to beautiful girl The best grooms in California were wooed, but each time they received an invariable refusal. Conchita remained faithful to the deceased count and saw her destiny in charity and teaching the Indians; in her homeland they began to call her La Beata - the Blessed One. After 35 years, Maria Concepcion entered the third Order of the White Clergy, and after another 10 years she was ordained a monk. She died at the age of 67, and a stele was erected next to her grave in the cemetery of St. Dominic in memory of her fidelity and love. Thanks to the world-famous rock opera, a symbolic reunion of the unhappy lovers took place. In 2000, the sheriff of the city in which Conchita was buried brought a handful of earth from the Spanish woman’s grave and scattered it over Rezanov’s burial place in Krasnoyarsk. A monument was erected at the count’s grave, which contains lines from the famous romance: “I will never see you, I will never forget you.”
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"Juno and Avos" is one of the most famous modern operas composer Alexey Rybnikov to poems by poet Andrei Voznesensky. Its first show on the stage of the Moscow Lenin Komsomol Theater (Lenkom) took place on July 9, 1981.
Late 1970s famous composer Alexey Rybnikov became interested in creating musical improvisations based on Orthodox chants. One day he demonstrated his work artistic director"Lenkom" to Mark Zakharov, after which he got the idea to create an opera based on them based on "The Tale of Igor's Campaign". It was decided to turn to Andrei Voznesensky to write the libretto for the opera. Voznesensky did not support this idea, but instead suggested using his poem “Maybe,” created in 1970. He managed to convince Rybnikov and Zakharov, after which work began on adapting the poem to the stage. I had to work on many scenes and arias.
Since the word "rock opera" was prohibited at that time (as was rock music in general), the authors called the work "modern opera".
Staging dance numbers was performed by choreographer Vladimir Vasiliev.
The plot of the poem and rock opera is based on romantic story the love of the Russian traveler Nikolai Rezanov and the daughter of the governor of San Francisco, Maria Conchita Arguello de la Concepcion.
Chamberlain Rezanov, having buried his wife, decided to devote all his strength to serving Russia. His proposals on the need to try to establish trade relations with North America For a long time they did not receive a response from the authorities, but finally he was ordered to carry out the desired journey. Before leaving, Rezanov says that with youth he is tormented by one circumstance, the impression that the icon of the Kazan Mother of God made on him - since then he has treated the Virgin Mary more like a beloved woman than as the Mother of God. Appearing to him in a vision, the Mother of God tells him not to be horrified by his feelings and promises to pray for him.
Two ships, Juno and Avos, sail under the St. Andrew's flag to the shores of California. In Spanish California at that time, the wedding of Conchita, the daughter of the governor, and Senor Federico is approaching. Rezanov, on behalf of Russia, greets California, and the governor invites him, as the ambassador of Emperor Alexander, to a ball in honor of his daughter’s sixteenth birthday. At the ball, Rezanov invites Conchita to dance - and this event becomes fatal in their lives and in the life of Federico. The groom is openly jealous, Rezanov’s companions make a cynical bet whether he can “pick a California flower.” The men understand that none of them will step aside without a fight.
At night, Conchita prays to the Virgin Mary in her bedroom. Rezanov comes to her with words of love.
At this moment, a reciprocal feeling arises in Conchita’s soul, and she reciprocates Rezanov’s feelings. But from that moment on, good fortune turns away from Rezanov. Conchita's fiance challenges him to a duel, during which Federico dies. The Russians are forced to urgently leave San Francisco.
Having made a secret engagement with Conchita, Rezanov sets off on his return journey. In Siberia, he falls ill with a fever and dies near Krasnoyarsk. And Conchita remains faithful to her love for the rest of her life. After waiting for Rezanov for thirty-five years - from sixteen to fifty-two - she tonsured herself a nun and ended her days in the cell of the Dominican monastery in San Francisco.
The first cast of the play included Nikolai Karachentsov (Count Rezanov), Elena Shanina (Conchitta), Alexander Abdulov (Federico). Immediately after its release, the opera became the most discussed event in the cultural life of the capital.
The rock opera "Juno" and "Avos" has successfully passed the test of time - the performance is on still with constant sell-outs. Over the 30-year history, there have been six performers of the role of Conchita and three chamberlains Rezanov.
Currently, on the stage of the Lenkom Theater, the role of the chamberlain, Count Nikolai Rezanov is performed by folk artists Russia and Viktor Rakov; Conchitas - Alla Yuganova and Alexandra Volkova.
There are two television versions of the play - 1983 and 2002. The first version captures the classic look of the performance with Nikolai Karachentsov, Elena Shanina and Alexander Abdulov. The second version, filmed for the 20th anniversary of the play, stars Nikolai Karachentsov, Anna Bolshova and Viktor Rakov.
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources
