Sergey Rachmaninoff

“A L E K O”
(Opera)

“A L E K O”

On the banks of a river, a Gypsy camp is set up. Evening. Among the Gypsies is Aleko, who has left high society for two years and now roams with the Gypsies. Aleko and the young Zemfira have fallen in love, but she soon becomes indifferent to him. Zemfira's old father recalls his youth and his unfortunate love. Mariula was faithful to him for only one year before leaving him for another man, abandoning their little daughter. Aleko cannot understand why the Gypsy did not take revenge on the traitor; he himself would have thrown a sleeping enemy into the abyss without hesitation. But Zemfira and her secret lover, the Young Gypsy, think otherwise: love is free! The Gypsies want to dispel the sorrow brought on by the old man's story with joyful dances. During the dance, Zemfira and the Young Gypsy disappear. Tortured jealousy ignites in Aleko's soul. He spends the night in painful contemplation. Daybreak. Behind the hill, Zemfira bids farewell to the Young Gypsy. She is in a hurry. But Aleko is already there. He tries in vain to win back Zemfira’s love. Overwhelmed by jealousy, Aleko kills the lovers. The noise attracts the Gypsies. Zemfira's father, along with the entire camp, demands that the murderer leave them. Morning has come. The camp sets off on its journey. Aleko, in despair, is once again alone.