A and Khachaturian summary of Spartak. Eternal plots

29.06.2019

History of creation

In December 1941, in the most tragic days of the Great Patriotic War, Khachaturian reported in a newspaper article about his creative plans: “In 1941, by order of the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR, together with librettist ND Volkov and choreographer I.A. to work on the ballet "Spartacus". It should be a monumental heroic performance that will show the Soviet viewer the best man in all of ancient history, which, in the words of Marx, is Spartacus. " This image, which had long attracted Khachaturian, seemed to him especially relevant in connection with the fierce struggle that our people had to wage. The composer also mentioned this in one of his articles: “Some were surprised at my choice of this topic, reproached for going deep into history. But it seems to me that the topic of Spartacus and the uprising of slaves in ancient Rome is of great importance and great public resonance in our time.<...>It is necessary that the peoples know and remember the names of those who, at the dawn of human history, boldly rose up against the enslavers for their freedom and independence. "

Librettist N. Volkov (1894-1965) began work on Spartak in 1933. He consulted the artist F. Fedorovsky (1883-1955) and the choreographer I. Moiseev (1906-2007), who had long dreamed of staging this performance. In working on the libretto, Volkov turned to the testimonies of ancient historians, in particular to the "Biographies" of Plutarch (50-120), he also used the satire of Juvenal (c. 60-140). In addition, the librettist relied on the article by L. Friedlander "Pictures from the everyday life of Rome" and the book of the Soviet historian A. Mishulin "The Spartak Uprising", something was drawn from the popular novel by Giovagnoli "Spartacus" (description of the lists) and the historical chronicle of M. Olivier "Spartak". “The architectonics of the ballet was composed like a tragedy about Spartacus,” wrote Volkov, “like a story about the rise and death of a leader, like the story of a hero whose mind, will and lofty ideals overcame the limitations of his time and<...>became immortal symbols of the struggle of the oppressed classes and peoples against the oppressors. " Not surprisingly, the proposed plot received approval from the authorities. However, work on the ballet was postponed for many years.

In 1950, Khachaturian visited Italy, saw the Colosseum, the Appian Way. Perhaps, it was with these impressions that the return to the conceived ballet was connected. Work on the music lasted three and a half years - the last point in the score was set in early February 1954. The premiere of "Spartacus" took place at the Leningrad Kirov Opera and Ballet Theater (Mariinsky) on December 27, 1956, staged by one of the most original choreographers of the Soviet era, the successor of Fokine's traditions, the renowned master of choreographic miniature L. Yakobson (1904-1975). In an effort to move away from the principles of “drama ballet” prevailing in those years on the ballet stage, Jacobson transferred to the stage the sculptural and plastic expressiveness he saw in the expression of the figures of battling gods and titans on the famous Pergamon altar, which was then exhibited in the Hermitage. “In his performance, figures came to life, as if descended from vase drawings, antique mosaics, bas-reliefs,” writes the author of the book about Askold Makarov, the first performer of the role of Spartacus, ballet critic M. Ilyichev. - The composition of the performance took shape as a grandiose architectural ensemble with temples, palaces, arenas and amphitheaters, in their decor bearing the themes of Spartacus, Aegina, Crassus. Spartacus, towering a monument amid the revelry and tinsel of "violent Rome", appeared ... the hero of a kind of altar composition ... Clear steps, sharp attacks, heavy footfall of infantry, offensive horsemen's races ... outlined the image of a military machine ... Laconicism and chasing movements of the military march, the solemnity of the appearance of the senators ... gave the spectacle a sculptural effect. These qualities determined the entire composition, deployed towards the viewer ... ”The ensemble performances were distinguished by the fact that each corps de ballet artist was offered his own individual plastic text. Thus, a kind of choreographic polyphony was created. Women's parts were not performed on pointe: both the soloists and the corps de ballet danced in sandals.

In Moscow, "Spartak" appeared only after a year and a half (03/11/1958), staged by I. Moiseev, one of the most titled masters, famous for his Folk Dance Ensemble. The ballet gained wide popularity, was staged in many cities of our country and countries of Eastern Europe. In 1968, another master of the Soviet ballet, Yuri Grigorovich (b. 1927), was staged in Moscow, polemicizing with Yakobson's performance and distinguished by great psychologism and tragic tension.

Plot (set out on the clavier)

In Rome, crowds joyfully greet Crassus, who returned from the campaign with a victory. Among the slaves harnessed to his chariot are Spartacus, Phrygia and Harmodius. Among those who meet Crassus is the courtesan Aegina. Exhausted from fatigue, Phrygia falls, the overseer swings his whip, Spartacus rushes at him with such force that he stops the chariot. The people admire his strength and courage.

An Egyptian dancer and a young Greek mime show their skills at the Roman slave market. Crassus appears in an elegant stretcher, on the other side of the market square - Aegina, who throws a flower to Crassus. She buys the handsome Harmodius, wants to buy Phrygia, but she is ready to hit herself with a dagger if she is separated from Spartacus. Spartacus is bought by the owner of the school of gladiators Lentullus, he also has to buy Phrygia, since Spartacus prefers to kill himself, but not be separated from his wife.

Circus. In the central box of Crassus and Aegina, Harmodius stands behind her. After the pantomime "The Rape of the Sabine Women", battles begin. The last fight is Spartacus with Samnite. The spectators demand to finish off the defeated Samnite, but Spartacus plunges his sword into the sand, refusing to kill the defeated one.

In the gladiator barracks. Phrygia bent over the dying man. After serious deliberation, Spartacus calls the gladiators to rebellion. They are still destined to die. Better to find her in battle with the enslavers than in the arena for their amusement. The gladiators led by Spartacus put the guards to flight, break down the bars of the windows and hide.

In the fields of Campagna, near the Appian Way, shepherds spend their peacefully resting time. Escaped gladiators appear. The shepherds join the rebels.

In the palace of Crassus, Aegina and Harmodius are dancing in front of the feasting. The young man brings her to Crassus's bed. Feastful fun is disturbed by the sounds of the approaching battle. All flee, Crassus tells Harmodius to stay and join the rebels. Spartacus appears with warriors and Phrygia.

In Spartak's camp on the square in front of his tent, women listen to the noise of the fading battle. Spartacus in a tent holds a council with the leaders of the units of the Thracians, Syrians, Germans, Gauls. Some of the commanders demand a campaign against Rome, others, including Spartacus himself, want to return to their homeland on ships. Some bosses leave Spartak in irritation. Phrygia tries to calm him down. Merchants and getters appear on the square. Bargaining begins, fun. Spartacus, emerging from his tent, orders to expel the outsiders from the camp. An old woman, Aegina's maid, appears in the empty square. She carries with her, possessed by a passion for Aegina, Harmodius.

In Crassus's tent, Aegina dances before the commander. The captive leaders who have broken away from Spartacus are brought in. Crassus orders them to be executed. The old woman, the messenger of Aegina, comes with Harmodius. Crassus demands from him information about Spartacus, and the young man reveals to him the plans of the rebels. At a signal from the commander, heavy curtains are thrown open, covering the huge windows, and Harmodius sees gladiators crucified on crosses.

Seaside. The masts of pirate ships are visible. The Romans, led by Harmodius, are hiding behind the stones. The pirates are feasting. Spartacus comes to them. He bribes the leader with sacks of gold, and he promises to transport his troops on his ships. With the departure of Spartacus, the revelry resumes. The emerging Romans are trying to get the pirates to steal their ships. When the rebels appear, the Romans ambush them. Spartacus dies in a fierce battle. Crassus orders to strangle Harmodius, Aegina, passing by, casually steps on his body. At the last signal, the Roman army retreats, Phrygia searches for the slain Spartacus on the empty battlefield at night and mourns mournfully for him. The surviving Thracians raise his body to the shield. The sun is rising.

Music

The music of "Spartak", one of the best works of Khachaturian, embodied the most striking features of his work: catchy, memorable images, magnificent and brilliant crowd scenes, a kind of melody in which European features are organically combined with oriental intonations. The musical drama of the ballet is based on sharp contrasts, but at the same time it is distinguished by its inner integrity and is aimed at revealing the main idea. Ballet is characterized by end-to-end symphonic development, large musical and choreographic scenes, intonational unity, and extensive use of the system of leitmotifs.

L. Mikheeva

Act I
Scene 1
Invasion
The death of a peaceful life is borne by the legions of the Roman Empire, led by the cruel and insidious Crassus. The people captured by him are doomed to slavery. Among them is Spartak.

Monologue of Spartacus
Spartacus was deprived of his freedom, but he cannot come to terms with it. A proud and courageous man, he does not think about his life in slavery.

Scene 2
Slave market
The prisoners are driven to the slave market. By force they separate men and women, including Spartacus from Phrygia.
Spartacus protests against the inhumanity of the Romans. But the forces are not equal.

Phrygia's monologue
Phrygia yearns for lost happiness, thinking with horror of the trials ahead of her.

Scene 3
Orgy at Crassus
Mimes and courtesans entertain guests by making fun of Phrygia, Crassus's new slave. The courtesan Aegina is alarmed by his interest in the young girl. And she draws Crassus into a frantic dance. In the midst of the orgy, Crassus orders the gladiators to be brought in. They must fight to the death in helmets without eye sockets, without seeing each other. The helmet is removed from the winner. This is Spartacus.

Monologue of Spartacus
Spartacus is in despair - he became an involuntary killer of his comrade. Tragedy awakens in him anger and a desire to protest. Spartacus decides to fight for freedom.

Scene 4
Gladiator barracks
Spartacus calls gladiators to rebellion. They answer him with an oath of allegiance. Throwing off the shackles, Spartacus and the gladiators flee from Rome.

Act II
Scene 5
Appian Way
On the Appian Way, shepherds join the Spartacus. All are united by the dream of freedom and hatred of slavery. The people proclaim Spartacus the leader of the rebels.

Monologue of Spartacus
All thoughts of Spartacus are directed to Phrygia.

Scene 6
Villa Crassus
Phrygia's search leads Spartacus to Crassus's villa. Great is the joy of meeting lovers. But they have to hide - a procession of patricians headed by Aegina is heading to the villa.

Aegina's monologue
She has long longed to seduce and subjugate Crassus. She needs to conquer him and legally enter the world of the Roman nobility.

Scene 7
Feast at Crassus
Crassus celebrates his victories. Patricians praise him. But the troops of Spartacus surround the palace. The guests scatter. Crassus and Aegina are running in fear, and Spartacus bursts into the villa.

Monologue of Spartacus
He is overflowing with the joy of victory.

Scene 8
Spartacus victory
Crassus is captured by the gladiators. But Spartacus does not want reprisals. He invites Crassus to decide his fate in an open and fair duel. Crassus accepts the challenge, but is defeated. Spartacus drives him away - let everyone know about his shame. Jubilant rebels glorify Spartacus's victory.

Act III
Painting 9
Crassus's Revenge
Aegina seeks to instill courage in Crassus. The uprising must be suppressed. Crassus gathers legionnaires. Aegina admonishes him.

Aegina's monologue
For her, Spartacus is also an enemy, for the defeat of Crassus promises death to her. Aegina is plotting an insidious plan - to scatter discord in the camp of the rebels.

Painting 10
Camp of Spartacus
Spartacus is happy with Phrygia. But with a sudden misfortune, the news of Crassus's new campaign falls. Spartacus proposes to take the fight. But many of his generals show weakness and abandon their leader.

Monologue of Spartacus
Spartacus anticipates a tragic end. But freedom is above all. And for her sake, he is ready to give his life.

Painting 11
Decomposition
Having made her way to the cowardly gladiators who could still join Spartacus, Aegina, together with the courtesans, seduces them and lures them into a trap, betraying them into the hands of the troops of Crassus.

Crassus's monologue
Crassus is filled with a thirst for revenge. It is not enough for him to win. He needs the death of Spartacus, who humiliated him.

Painting 12
The last battle
Legionnaires surround the troops of Spartacus. In an unequal battle, his friends and himself perish. Spartacus fights to his last breath.

Requiem
Phrygia finds the body of Spartacus. She mourns him, full of faith in the immortality of his feat.

Spartacus

Scenes from Roman life. Ballet in four acts

The author of the ballet - Aram Ilyich Khachaturyan
Libretto N. Volkova.
Choreographer L. Jacobson.
First performance: Leningrad, Opera and Ballet Theater. S. M. Kirov, December 27, 1956
Characters
Spartacus. Phrygia. Aegina. Harmodium. Beauty. A dying slave. Lentullus Batiatus. Herald. Egyptian. African. Numidian, Gall. Athenian jester. Etruscans, Gaditanian maidens, hetaira. Memes. Centurions. Companions of Spartacus.

The Roman general Crassus returns from a campaign with a victory. A jubilant crowd greets the legionnaires renowned in battle.

Captive slaves are harnessed to Crassus's golden chariot. Among them is the Thracian Spartak. His gigantic figure is full of strength and dignity. Next to him are his beloved, the young Thracian Phrygia, and the young man Harmodius.

Among the crowd of Roman nobility, patricians and senators who meet Crassus, is his concubine, courtesan Aegina.

The slave market. The bargaining begins with the sale of an Egyptian dancer. She is separated from her mother. Spartacus and Garmodius, chained to him, are bought by the owner of the gladiatorial school Lentullus Batiatus. The moment of the parting of Phrygia and Spartacus is woeful. Phrygia is bought by Aegina.

Circus. In the center of the amphitheater is the box of Crassus and Aegina. The battles of gladiators begin. Gaul, Numidian and African are fighting. The wounded Numidian asks to be given life, but the crowd demands to kill him. Two gladiators enter the arena. One of them dies; dying, he sends a curse to Rome. Two groups are attracting general attention: gladiators. A fierce battle begins to boil. Miracles of courage and dexterity are shown by Spartacus. He wins, the crowd applauds him enthusiastically.

Square in front of Crassus's palace. Phrygia pours out her grief to Spartacus, complains of a hard life in captivity and separation.

Under cover of night, Spartacus negotiates a secret meeting with his associates. Aegina notices them. Wanting to reveal their plan, she charms one of the conspirators - young Harmodius.

A celebration in honor of the god Saturn (Saturnalia). The crowd praises him with bacchanal dances. Crassus is carried out of the palace on a luxurious stretcher. One of the slaves carrying the stretcher stumbled. Krasa orders to kill him. Crassus's bodyguard stabs the slave with a dagger. Everyone freezes in horror.

At a secret meeting, Spartacus calls on his associates to start an uprising. The conspirators sealed their loyalty to the cause of the struggle for liberation with an oath.

Spartacus enters the stone prison of gladiators. and calls the prisoners to revolt: better death on the battlefield than in the circus arena, for the amusement of the crowd! The chains have already been broken, the guards have been removed. Spartacus opens the gates of the prison and leads the rebels with him.

The slave revolt spreads across Italy like a wide river of fire. Victory after victory is won by the troops of Spartacus. The Romans bow the "eagles" - the signs of their legions - before the leader of the rebellious slaves.

The commanders of Spartacus are returning from a campaign with captured legionnaires, looted goods, barrels of wine and getters. Aegina is hiding among the heterosexuals. She leads Harmodius to the tent of the feasting warlords.

Spartacus suddenly appears. He orders to immediately expel the getters from the camp. Harmodius protests. A quarrel arises between a group of military leaders and Spartacus. A conflict that has been brewing for a long time is leading to a split in the camp. A group of disgruntled commanders, together with their warriors, leave the Spartacus camp. Aegina is carried away by Harmodius. With Spartacus, only his associates, loyal to the cause of freedom, remain.

Feast at Crassus. Aegina tells the commander that she managed to bring Harmodius, who had quarreled with Spartacus, and also about the split among the rebels. Krasa gives the order to attack the camp of the breakaways from Spartacus.

Aegina is left alone with Harmodius. The night passes. The feast is resumed. Krasa orders to bring Harmodius. Purple curtains swing open. Harmodius sees with horror the gladiators crucified on the crosses, his recent companions. He realizes that he was betrayed by Aegina, and tries to kill her, but he is seized and stabbed to death. Krasé and Aegina leave the feast.

Slaves led by Spartacus rush into the palace. Phrygia and Crassus' slaves joyfully rush to meet them.

In the battle with the legionnaires of Crassus, Spartacus is defeated and retreats. Phrygia blesses him for new battles; she gives Spartacus a shield, kisses his sword. She foresees an impending catastrophe in her heart.

The Romans are advancing. Surrounded by countless hordes, Spartacists perish in a fierce battle. Spartacus also perishes.

The end call signal sounds. The Roman troops leave.

Night. Darkness envelops the battlefield. Mournful Phrygia appears, looking for the body of Spartacus. In an ominous silence, she mourns the fallen hero.

Introduction. SONG ABOUT THE HERO

ACT ONE

The first picture. Capture of Spartacus

On the battlefield, Spartacus alone fights against numerous opponents. Wounded, he is captured by the Romans.

Scene two. TRIUMPH KRASSA

Former dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla at the Colosseum receives a parade of Roman troops. The ceremony is attended by a slave - the Greek dancer Aurelius in the image of the Goddess of Victory - and mime Metrobius, in the image of the God of War. Among the winners are the concubine of Marcus Lucinius Crassus, the Amazonian Eutibida; bound Spartacus takes out the successful commander Crassus on a chariot. Aurelia rushes to Spartacus, recognizing him as her lover.

The celebration of victory continues with the battles of gladiators: Andabats, Retiarius and Mirmillon, Thracians and Samnites.

Crassus releases an unarmed Spartacus against several opponents. Spartacus wins, but asks to save the lives of the defeated gladiators. Spartacus is tied up again. Euthybida, performing the dance of the "Roman she-wolf", removes the fetters from Spartacus and carries Crassus away from the Colosseum. The gladiators Crixus, Gannicus and Cass, rescued by him, rush to Spartacus.

Scene three. CONSPIRACY

Slaves, townspeople, mimes, beggars gather in the tavern "Venus Libitina" (Venus of the Funeral). They are treated by the innkeeper Lutation One-Eyed and her two maids. Spartak appears with friends. He calls everyone to rebellion. Everyone responds with enthusiasm to his call.

Scene four. DATE. SPARTAK AND AURELIA

On the streets of Rome, Spartacus secretly meets with Aurelia. Patricians, invited to the feast of the ex-dictator Sulla, pass by them. Crassus is brought on a stretcher, accompanied by Metrobius. Aurelia is forced to join the retinue of Eutibis. Spartacus tries to avoid the persistent attention of this capricious matron.

Scene five. PIR AT EX-DICTATOR

The most distinguished patricians and matrons gathered in the Roman patio.

For the guests, ex-dictator Sulla prepared a performance. Metrobius and mimes are dancing, Crassus, Metrobius and Euthybida are trying to involve Aurelia in erotic games, but she manages to slip away. Aurelia, along with Metrobius and the mimes, dances the Etruscan dance. During the dance with the snakes of the Gaditan maidens, the Spartacists burst into the patio.

They set the hall on fire with torches. Spartacus lets all women and Evtibida go. She brings Crassus and Metrobius out of the baths, hiding them among the Gaditan maidens and slaves. The rebels proclaim Spartacus their commander.

ACT TWO. "SONG OF VICTORY"

Scene 6. SPARTAK TRAINING AND COMBAT

Camp of Spartacus. Gladiators train slaves in the Roman order. Warriors learn to fight with different types of weapons, a crowd of slaves turns into a perfectly trained army before our very eyes.

The battle with the Romans. Spartak victory. Eutybida confesses her love to Spartacus. He is indifferent to her. Eutybida tries to kill him and vows revenge.

Scene 7. Defeat the beauty

Crassus, in a rage, kills his soldiers retreating in panic and forcibly establishes discipline, Euthybida drags him into an occult Egyptian temple forbidden in Rome.

Scene eight. SACRIFICE

In an Egyptian temple, in a ritual dance, Eutybida stabs a virgin vestal and washes the sword of Crassus with her blood in order to implore victory for the Roman army from the goddess Isis.

Scene nine. Riot in the camp of Spartak

Slaves, intoxicated with victories, rob, torture prisoners, rape their wives and daughters. After the intervention of an outraged Spartacus, part of the army, led by his closest friend Crixus, separates to go to Rome. Spartacus is against - his goal is to return the freed slaves to their countries. But, obeying the decisions of the companions, he remains at the head of the army.

Spartacus, together with Aurelia, is experiencing this night in anticipation of the last mortal battle, "Song of Love."

Scene 10. THE LAST BATTLE. "SONG ABOUT IMMORTALITY"

In a bloody battle, Spartacus perishes with his army. Eutybida hides grief. Slave women from the countries conquered by Rome mourn their lost lovers. Aurelia says goodbye to Spartacus.

Scene eleven. TRIUMPH KRASSA

The chariot of Crassus and Eutybida was drawn by new slaves. The crowd cheers for the winners.

Scene 1

Invasion
The death of a peaceful life is borne by the legions of the Roman Empire, led by the cruel and insidious Crassus. The people captured by him are doomed to slavery. Among them is Spartak.

Monologue of Spartacus
Spartacus was deprived of his freedom, but he cannot come to terms with it. A proud and courageous man, he does not imagine his life in slavery.

Scene 2

Slave market
The prisoners are driven to the slave market. By force, men and women are separated, including Spartacus from Phrygia. Spartacus protests against the inhumanity of the Romans. But the forces are not equal.

Phrygia's monologue
Phrygia yearns for the lost happiness, thinking with horror of the trials ahead of her.

Scene 3

Orgy at Kras
Mimes and courtesans entertain guests by making fun of Phrygia, Crassus's new slave. The courtesan Aegina is alarmed by his interest in the young girl. And she draws Crassus into a frantic dance. In the midst of the orgy, Crassus orders the gladiators to be brought in. They must fight to the death in helmets without eye sockets, without seeing each other. The helmet is removed from the winner. This is Spartacus.

Monologue of Spartacus
Spartacus is in despair - he became an involuntary killer of his comrade. Tragedy awakens in him anger and a desire to protest. Spartacus decides to fight for freedom.

Scene 4

Gladiator barracks
Spartacus calls gladiators to rebellion. They answer him with an oath of allegiance. Throwing off the shackles, Spartacus and the gladiators flee from Rome.

Act II

Scene 5

Appian Way
On the Appian Way, shepherds join the Spartacus. All are united by the dream of freedom and hatred of slavery. The people proclaim Spartacus the leader of the rebels.

Monologue of Spartacus
All thoughts of Spartacus are directed to Phrygia.

Scene 6

Villa Crassus
Phrygia's search leads Spartacus to Crassus's villa. Great is the joy of meeting lovers. But they have to hide - a procession of patricians headed by Aegina is sent to the villa.

Aegina's monologue
She has long longed to seduce and subjugate Crassus. She needs to conquer him and legally enter the world of the Roman nobility.

Scene 7

Feast at Crassus
Crassus celebrates his victories. Patricians praise him. But the troops of Spartacus surround the palace. The guests scatter. Crassus and Aegina are also running in fear. Spartacus bursts into the villa.

Monologue of Spartacus
He is overwhelmed with the joy of victory.

Scene 8

Spartacus victory
Crassus is captured by the gladiators. But Spartacus does not want reprisals. He invites Crassus to decide his fate in an open and fair duel. Crassus accepts the challenge, but is defeated. Spartacus drives him away - let everyone know about his shame. Jubilant rebels glorify Spartacus's victory.

Act III

Painting 9

Crassus's Revenge
Aegina seeks to instill courage in Crassus. The uprising must be suppressed. Crassus gathers legionnaires. Aegina admonishes him.

Aegina's monologue
For her, Spartacus is also an enemy, for the defeat of Crassus promises death to her. Aegina is plotting an insidious plan - to scatter discord in the camp of the rebels.

Painting 10

Camp of Spartacus
Spartacus is happy with Phrygia. But with a sudden misfortune, the news of Crassus's new campaign falls. Spartacus proposes to take the fight. But many of his generals show weakness and abandon their leader.

Monologue of Spartacus
Spartacus anticipates a tragic end. But freedom is above all. And for her sake, he is ready to give his life.

Painting 11

Decomposition
Having made her way to the cowardly gladiators who could still join Spartacus, Aegina, together with the courtesans, seduces them and lures them into a trap, betraying them into the hands of the troops of Crassus.

Crassus's monologue
Crassus is filled with a thirst for revenge. It is not enough for him to win. He needs the death of Spartacus, who humiliated him.

Painting 12

The last battle
Legionnaires surround the troops of Spartacus. In an unequal battle, his friends and himself perish. Spartacus fights to his last breath.