AE 220
 Bulgarian Operas

Background

This is the original title of the story, and later the play, by one of the greatest of Bulgarian authors, Ivan Iovkov. In a series of interviews at the end of the 1920s and the beginning of the 1930s, he shares that he heard this story during the time he was studying in Dobrudzha, a region in northeastern Bulgaria. Albena is quite a common Bulgarian female name, and Iovkov's narrative makes it even more desirable. It is also the name of one of the most beautiful resorts on the Black Sea, visited by people from all over the world.

Premier: Varna Opera - 2 November 1962.

The opera as playlist

Synopsis

Scene 1

At the mill, farmers from the neighboring villages have come to mill their grain. Niagul, the miller, greets them as Kutsar, his helper, carries the sacks about. They are all impressed by Kutsar's strength. Albena arrives carrying lunch for her husband Kustar. A man from Senebir seeks her out, telling her of his love and trying to convince her to come with him to his village. She turns him down.

Kustar sends his wife home, and the Seneberian tries to attract him to work at his own farm. The sharp rejection angers the Seneberian, and he tells Kustar that Albena is cheating on him with Niagul, and that he was taking care of the horses at night the two of them met behind the mill. Kustar is crushed he cannot believe the allegations and lashed out at the Seneberian, who, frightened, runs away. The distant song of Albena does not ease the doubt that has been preying on the mind of Kustar.

Scene 2

Niagul awaits Albena behind the mill. His heart is filled with love for her. But his thoughts about Kustar give him no peace. Niagul cannot find it within himself to take decisive actions in order to make Albena only his.

Albena arrives and uneasily tells Niagul about her meeting with the Seneberian. Niagul tells her to be careful, so that the rumors being said about her in the village would subside. Albena fantasizes about their future home together. At this moment, Kustar enters. Incensed, he drives out his wife. He is overcome by a wave of anger and jealousy, insult and bitter pain. How could Niagul do this to him? The same Niagul who was to loyal as a slave and to whom he had given his complete faith.

Scene 3

A few days later Kustar enters a pub and refuses to join the Seneberian's loud and drunken company. The Hadjia enters and threatens the villagers with curse on the cattle and hailstones on the fields because they are getting drunk during Holy Week. Grandfather Vlasiu, supported by the others, responds with jibes and mockery. The arrival of Niagul forces the Seneberian and his friends to go to another pub, while the Hadjia continues on about the godless villagers.

Finding himself alone with Kustar, Niagul tries to make him submit to his will again, but Kustar has understood everything, and so refuses to carry the sacks and tend the horses. He lashes out at Niagul and is ready to kill him. He is then fired by Niagul and on leaving Kustar tells him "from this moment, Niagul, you will know me."

Scene 4

After the incident behind the mill, Kutsar has forbidden Albena to leave the house. Two neighborhood women have come to gossip. Savka, who arrives last, rebukes them for gossiping about Albena. Having been left alone with Albena, Savka tries to cheer her, but she quickly leaves at the sight of the morose Kutsar.

Kutsar is unusually agitated after the meeting with Niagul at the pub. He threatens Albena with murder, decides that he will blame Niagul for secretly selling stolen grain, and says that he will tell everyone about Albena's adultery. Albena begins to cry, and Kutsar tries to calm her. He tells her that she shouldn't cry and that tomorrow the two of them will leave for Senebir where they will work to establish a good life.

Exhausted, Kustar retires, leaving Albena alone. She laments her position and asks herself, "is it a sin to love with all your heart". Niagul has entered unexpectedly. Anxiously, Albena tells him about Kutsar's unfortunate position as well as about his plans. Niagul, having lost his mind, heads to the room where Kutsar is sleeping. Albena cannot find the strength to stop him.

Scene 5

After the murder of Kutsar, Niagul has turned himself in. In order to save Albena, he has explained his crime by saying that he was afraid that Kutsar would report him for stealing grain.

Albena, accompanied by Savka, returns from Kutsar's funeral. Savka tries in vain to soothe her. The Senebirian, who is hiding nearby, waits until Albena is alone and offers her his love once again. She pushes him away with contempt and then heads to her home.

Angered by her refusal, the Senebirian reveals in front of everybody the real reason for Kutsar's murder. The people curse Albena. She comes out, radiating beauty, and confesses her guilt "I loved Niagul, and my love drove him to murder." Everyone is left speechless.

At this moment, Niagul passes by, led by guards. Albena runs to her love. She wants to go with him and to share his fate. Now, everyone is filled with a single thought: Albena is not guilty; we won't give her up; leave her; what is our village without Albena!

Albena, touched by the love of the people, says her farewell and then heads after Niagul.