AE 220
 Bulgarian Operas

Background

The libretto by Hadjiev is based on a true story still visible in two houses in the small town of Triavna in the foothills of Stara Planina (Old Mountain). In the middle of the 19th century two representatives of the well known Triavna school of woodworking (which is still in existence, and decorates not only churches, but also private houses, government buildings, business offices, restaurants, hotels, etc) thrived there. A bet between two of the most famous masters of the time for the woodwork on the ceilings of the newly-built houses of two rich Triavna men in a given time. Whoever had the best creation would be named the master of masters.

These are the basis of the play by the famous 20th century playwright Racho Stoyanov; the rest is literary license typical of opera librettos.

Premier 9 October 1966 - Sofia

The opera as playlist

Synopsis

Act 1 Scene 1

It is 1838 in a small town of Stara Mountain. The old master Tihol takes pride in his son Naiden, who has gained renown as the best woodcarver in the area. Only Naiden's beautiful wife is uneasy and tries to convince him to move to a different town. The apprentice Zhivko had studied the craft along with Naiden, then traveled and has now returned. The old animosity between Zhivko and Naiden needs to be forgotten. Zhivko brings lavish gifts for Master Tihol, Naiden and other masters but has none for Naiden's wife, not knowing that he had married. Naiden says that there is no need for Zhivko to have brought a gift for Milkana because the two are only now meeting for the first time. Though Naiden has forgotten, Zhivko remembers that years ago when the two of them were making the altar for the church, three young women had entered and one of them had been Milkana. But that had been a long time ago. Now, Zhivko tells of his travels in foreign lands, the sorrow for his homeland and his love, with whom he had hoped to make a home. Milkana faints during the tale.

Act 1 Scene 2

There is talk around the town that the competition between Zhivko and Naiden isn't only about their woodworking skills. Milkana and Zhivko had had a pact; he was bringing her gifts from abroad but threw them in the river Maritsa when he learned that she had married Naiden. Naiden and Zhivko start arguing but before it comes to blows Milkana arrives and accuses Zhivko of envying Naiden, which tarnishes her good name. She says that she doesn't know him and has never seen him before. To Zhivko this means that Milkana has denounced him, but in order to save her, he also lies. Yes, he says, he is jealous of Naiden's skill. After Milkana leaves, Zhivko begins to insult Naiden - that he had become a master only because there was no one better than him, but in front of Zhivko he is but an apprentice. So, the master's guild decides that the two men should test their skills against each other.

Act 2 Scene 1

From the time the contest begins, Zhivko works tirelessly. The old master Tihol is concerned, so is Milkana, who hates to see her husband upset and idle. Jealousy consumes Naiden; he fears that the rumor might be true. Milkana might indeed have given her word to Zhivko. She might love him even now. The gentleness and promises of Milkana do not lighten his soul. Upset, Naiden knocks her to the ground. "You are too weak and helpless to compete with him, Naiden." These words provoke Naiden to lunge at Milkana with a knife but Tihol arrives in time to save her.

Act 2 Scene 2

As usual, Naiden is idle. He will lose the contest. The master Dobri tries unsuccessfully to convince Zhivko to give up. He tells him that he should leave and not ruin Naiden's life, or that at least he should spare Milkana in the conflict. Zhivko dismisses the old master and begins work again. Milkana arrives and begs Zhivko to leave them alone. She waited for him faithfully for five years until receiving news of his death. Only then had she wed. She tells Zhivko that she will remember him all her life and will pray for him as her first love. Zhivko agrees to leave, but in parting he hugs Milkana. Naiden enters and sees them embracing. He shoots and kills Milkana.