The legend of Ohrid
The Legend of Ohrid ( Ohridska legenda ) is a ballet in four acts composed by the Yugoslav composer Stevan Hristić and premiered in 1947. The libretto was created by Stevan Hristić based on a folk tale .
About the ballet
occupation
Marko: a young Serb
Biljana: his bride
Biserka: a Rusalka
Others: the father of the bride and others
action
1st act
The village near Ohrid. The plum picking in the orchard of Biljana's father, a wealthy village farmer, is in progress. The assembled boys and girls work, including Biljana and the poor farmer Marko, who is in the service of Biljana's father. Marko and Biljana love each other and want to get married. The girl's father would have preferred a rich son-in-law. It is the time when the Ottomans invaded the Balkans in order to rob young Christians who were to strengthen the sultan's army. The young men were taken away and the older villagers killed. The tactic worked, the stolen felt comfortable, were highly valued by the Sultan and formed the warrior caste of the Janissaries. Biljana and other residents are taken as slaves by the Ottomans, while leaving several dead and injured behind them. Marko is late.
2nd act
However, Marko has no desire for Muslim war service and wants to find the girl he wanted to marry again. On the way he falls asleep by a mysterious lake. This is in the care of Russalken, who are well-disposed towards the youth. From the leader Biserka, whom he was able to win for himself through his dance, he receives a magic sword and a flower that will be useful in saving Biljanas.
3rd act
We meet stolen slaves in the Sultan's palace. Through their dance they express homesickness and pain and protest against their abduction through the gesture of mourning. Biljana's dance is full of emotions and the Sultan likes that. When he tries to take her to the harem, she defends herself. Suddenly Marko steps into the hall and throws the flower to the sea mermaid at Biljana. The surprised one is transformed into a turtle dove and flies away, while Marko paves an escape route with his sword.
4th act
Marko has found his way back to his home village. Sadly, he realizes that the turtledove has evidently vanished. But with a little delay it comes fluttering and transforms itself back into its human form. The guests must be called back so that the wedding ceremony can be completed.
Individual evidence
- ↑ The Legend of Ohrid. Retrieved February 1, 2014 .