Sadko (1994)
A magnificent filmed staging of Rimsky-Korsakov's grand Russian opera, performed by the Mariinsky ensemble under Valery Gergiev.
Sadko - Movie Information
- Original Title: Садко
- Release Year: 1994
- Directed by: Brian Large
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 2h 55m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Production Companies: Philips
- Production Countries: Russia
Sadko - Plot
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's dazzling opera in seven tableaux follows the epic journey of Sadko, a sea-faring minstrel from Novgorod, his wife Libava, and their encounters with Volkhova, a sea Princess, and the court of her parents the Tsar and Tsarina of the Sea. Sadko, traveling on his ship "Falcon," also meets visiting foreign merchants from India (a Hindu), Scandinavia (a Varangian), and Italy (a Venetian), each singing of the magic of their own lands to try and lure him. In the seventh tableau, Sadko is reunited with his wife, believing his journey a dream, until he sees his fleet of ships arriving on the newly created river Volkhova and realizes his sea Princess has transformed herself into the river in order to create the gateway to the ocean for Novgorod. In conclusion, Sadko leads a hymn of praise and everyone rejoices their good fortune.
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Sadko - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brian Large
Main Cast
- Vladimir Galouzine as Sadko
- Sergei Alexashkin as The Sea Tsar
- Larissa Diadkova as Nezhata
- Alexander Gergalov as The Venetian Guest
- Gegam Grigorian as The Indian Guest
- Bulat Minjelkiev as The Viking Guest
- Marianna Tarasova as Libava Buslayevna
- Valentina Tsidipova as Volkhova
- Vladimir Ognovenko as Duda
- Valery Gergiev
Sadko - FAQs
What is Sadko (1994) about?
Sadko is a filmed performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's grand opera in seven tableaux. It follows Sadko, a minstrel from Novgorod, on an epic sea voyage involving encounters with a Sea Princess named Volkhova, foreign merchants from India, Scandinavia, and Italy, and a mythical underwater kingdom.
Who are the main performers in Sadko?
The principal cast includes Vladimir Galouzine as Sadko, Valentina Tsidipova as the Sea Princess Volkhova, Marianna Tarasova as Libava, and Sergei Alexashkin as the Sea Tsar. The Mariinsky Orchestra performs under the baton of conductor Valery Gergiev.
Who directed the 1994 Sadko film?
The 1994 filmed production of Sadko was directed by Brian Large, a renowned British director celebrated for his extensive work capturing major opera and classical music performances on film and television for international audiences.
Is Sadko based on a true story or legend?
Sadko is rooted in Russian folklore. The character of Sadko originates from byliny, traditional Slavic epic oral poems, in which he is a celebrated gusli player and merchant adventurer from the medieval city of Novgorod. Rimsky-Korsakov adapted these legends into his opera.
How long is the 1994 Sadko opera film?
The 1994 filmed production of Sadko has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, reflecting the full scope of Rimsky-Korsakov's grand opera across its seven tableaux, from Sadko's departure from Novgorod to his triumphant return.
What language is Sadko performed in?
Sadko is performed entirely in Russian, as Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov originally composed the opera with a Russian libretto. The 1994 Mariinsky production preserves this tradition, with the full cast singing in Russian throughout all seven tableaux.
Where can I stream or watch Sadko (1994)?
Streaming and viewing options for Sadko (1994) vary by region and platform availability. You can check the latest streaming, rental, and purchase options for Sadko on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability across major digital platforms in your area.
Who composed the music for Sadko?
The opera Sadko was composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the foremost figures of Russian classical music. He completed the opera in 1896, and it is celebrated for its vivid orchestral color, rich melodic invention, and spectacular depiction of the underwater sea kingdom.
More About Sadko
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