Highlights from Mavra by Stravinsky

In August 2010 Glyndebourne presented Stravinsky’s short opera Mavra in the Jerwood Studio, as part of the annual Jerwood Chorus Development Scheme.

We are grateful to the Trustees of the Jerwood Charitable Foundation for their continuing support of this extremely valuable initiative.

Music by Igor Stravinsky courtesy of Boosey and Hawkes

Synopsis

Parasha sings a love song while sitting at a window embroidering. Her hussar appears at the window to protest his love, and eventually an assignation is arranged. The Parasha’s mother come in, lamenting the death of their maid in distinctively self-serving terms. Parasha is sent off to find a replacement, while her mother and a neighbour discuss the weather and the servant problem. When Parasha comes back, it is with her boyfriend dressed as ‘Mavra’ the new maid. Mother takes Parasha away with her, which gives ‘Mavra’ the opportunity to shave, only to be surprised by the returning women.