Legendary performances: what genre is "Juno and Avos"?

In the early 80's on the Soviet stage was staged a play "Juno and Avos." This was an experiment for that time, but the work became extremely popular. And until now they have not determined: what genre is "Juno and Avos"? Then such words as "rock" or "musical" were forbidden, therefore the creators defined the genre as a modern opera. Then it began to be called a rock opera. But many experts believe that this work can be attributed to the genre of the musical.

Full house! Full house!

Question: "To what genre is" Juno and Avos "?" Has not been resolved so far. At first the play was staged as an experiment, but it became a sensation that quickly gained popularity throughout the world. Perhaps this was due to the well-known names of the authors and directors. The basis for the libretto for the opera was the poem of Andrei Voznesensky. And the music was written by composer Alexei Rybnikov based on Orthodox hymns.

Based on this kind of material, director Mark Zakharov staged the play "Juno and Avos". The rock opera was so unusual for the Soviet scene, and had such a stunning success that the hall at the premiere applauded standing. For 30 years, the play has withstood about two thousand performances with the same sold-out.

The plot of the opera "Juno and Avos"

At the heart of Andrei Voznesensky's poem is the real love story of Count Nikolai Rezanov and the daughter of California Governor Conchita. Rezanov was in America on a diplomatic mission. Lovers decided to get married. But, in order to obtain permission to marry a Catholic, Rezanov was forced to return to St. Petersburg. And on the way home he fell ill and died. Conchita was waiting for him 35 years, and then went to the monastery and was engaged in charitable activities.

The poem is deeply lyrical, no one can remain indifferent during the farewell scene of lovers. The words of the famous romance "I'll never see you, I'll never forget you ..." and still sound in many hearts. But in addition, it embodies a rebellious Russian character, seeking the meaning of life and loving its homeland.

Why a rock opera?

Most often, the question of which genre belongs to "Juno and Avos" is answered: to a rock opera. This is due not only to the dramatic plot of the work. The original production turned A. Voznesensky's poem into a mystery with an emphasis on music and vocals. Choreographic numbers are very important for understanding the meaning of the performance. The composer managed to write a modern work in the genre of rock. This was an innovation not only for the Soviet scene. This rock opera quickly gained popularity abroad.

It was unusual in the poem everything, starting with the plot. The audience was also enthusiastic about music based on religious songs, Orthodox prayers and the image of Our Lady with the baby. Probably, therefore, when answering the question "what genre is" Juno and Avos ", most critics believe that this is not a musical, but a rock opera, for a musical is an entertaining, easy work, and this performance, like the poem of A. Ascension, is full of deep content, dramatic and searching for the meaning of life.

Finally, we note that the performance is very popular with the audience, and most often they are not interested in its genre. "Juno and Avos" collects unmodified full-faces when staged on stage and enjoys immense popularity in the form of a feature film. This unusual work and now draws the attention of people around the world.