Rimsky-Korsakov's operas have often been criticized that while the music and orchestration are beautiful, they lack strong characters and dramatic power. The composer was not always looking for that either. For example, he saw his opera Sadko as a sequence of scenes from the Russian folk epic. Legend has it that the minstrel Sadko makes a bet with the Novgorod merchants that he can catch fish with
… golden fins. It's his head against their wealth. With the help of the Sea Princess, who is in love with him, he wins. Sadko then travels the world, until the Sea King demands a sacrifice from him ... The fairytale tableaux, including a scene under the sea, serve as inspiration for Rimsky-Korsakov's atmospheric music. It is striking that the most famous arias from the opera, the songs of the Viking and of the Hindu merchant are sung by characters who play no further role in the story. Sadko is a real Russian opera, performed here in the best Russian tradition by Valery Gergiev and choir, orchestra and ballet of the Kirov Opera. (CP)more
