Opera in five acts by Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka to a libretto by composer V. Shirokov, with the participation of K. Bakhturin, N. Kukolnik, N. Markevich, A. Shakhovsky, based on the poem of the same name by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin.
Opera in five acts (eight scenes)
Characters:
Svetozar, Grand Duke of Kyiv…………………………………bass
Lyudmila, daughter………………………………………………………soprano
Ruslan, Kyiv knight, Lyudmila’s fiancé……………………………baritone
Ratmir, Prince of the Khazar……………………………………………contralto
Farlaf, Varangian knight………………………………………………………bass
Gorislava, captive of Ratmir…..…………………………………soprano
Finn, the good wizard…….…………………………………….tenor
Naina, the evil sorceress……………………………………………mezzo-soprano
Bayan, singer …….……………………….…………………………….tenor
Chernomor, evil wizard, Karla.…………………………………without singing
Summary
The high mansions of the Grand Duke of Kyiv Svetozar are full of guests. The prince celebrates the wedding of his daughter Lyudmila with the knight Ruslan. The Prophetic Bayan sings a song about the glory of the Russian land, about bold campaigns. He predicts the fate of Ruslan and Lyudmila: mortal danger looms over the heroes, separation and difficult trials are destined for them. Ruslan and Lyudmila swear eternal love to each other. Ratmir and Farlaf, jealous of Ruslan, secretly rejoice at the prediction. However, Bayan reassures everyone: invisible forces will protect the lovers and unite them. The guests praise the newlyweds. The tunes of Bayan sound again. This time he predicts the birth of a great singer who will save the story of Ruslan and Lyudmila from oblivion. 2 In the midst of the wedding revelry, a clap of thunder is heard and everything is plunged into darkness. The darkness dissipates, but Lyudmila is gone: she has been kidnapped. Svetozar promises his daughter's hand and half the kingdom to the one who saves the princess. Ruslan, Ratmir and Farlaf go on a search.
In the far northern region, where Ruslan’s wanderings led him, lives the good wizard Finn. He predicts the knight's victory over Chernomor, who kidnapped Lyudmila. At Ruslan's request, Finn tells his story. Poor shepherd, he fell in love with the beautiful Naina, but she rejected his love. Neither his exploits nor the wealth obtained in bold raids could win the heart of the proud beauty. And only with the help of magical spells did Finn inspire Naina to love himself, but in the meantime Naina became a decrepit old woman. Rejected by the wizard, now she is pursuing him. Finn warns Ruslan against the machinations of the evil sorceress. Ruslan continues on his way.
Looking for Lyudmila and Farlaf. But everything that comes along the way frightens the cowardly prince. Suddenly a scary old woman appears in front of him. This is Naina. She wants to help Farlaf and thereby take revenge on Finn, who protects Ruslan. Farlaf is triumphant: the day is near when he will save Lyudmila and become the owner of the Principality of Kyiv.
Ruslan's search leads him to an ominous deserted place. He sees a field littered with the bones of fallen soldiers and weapons. The fog dissipates, and the outlines of a huge Head appear in front of Ruslan. It begins to blow towards the knight, and a storm arises. But, struck by Ruslan’s spear, the Head rolls away, and a sword is discovered under it. The head tells Ruslan the story of two brothers - the giant and the dwarf Chernomor. The dwarf overcame his brother by cunning and, cutting off his head, forced it to guard the magic sword. Giving the sword to Ruslan, the Head asks for revenge on the evil Chernomor.
Naina's Magic Castle. The maidens, subservient to the witch, invite travelers to take refuge in the castle. Ratmir’s beloved Gorislava is also grieving here. Ratmir, who appears, does not notice her. Ruslan also ends up in Naina’s castle: he is fascinated by the beauty of Gorislava. The Knights are saved by Finn, who breaks Naina's evil spell. Ratmir, returned to Gorislava, and Ruslan set off again in search of Lyudmila.
Lyudmila languishes in the gardens of Chernomor. Nothing pleases the princess. She yearns for Kyiv, for Ruslan, and is ready to commit suicide. An invisible chorus of servants persuades her to submit to the power of the sorcerer. But their speeches only provoke the anger of the proud daughter of Svetozar. The sounds of a march herald the approach of Chernomor. Slaves bring in a dwarf with a huge beard on a stretcher. The dancing begins. Suddenly the sound of a horn is heard. It is Ruslan who challenges Chernomor to a duel. Having plunged Lyudmila into a magical sleep, Chernomor leaves. In battle, Ruslan cuts off Chernomor's beard, depriving him of his miraculous power. But he cannot awaken Lyudmila from her magical sleep.
The ballet “Ruslan and Lyudmila” was created based on the works of two great creators of the Russian land - the poet A.S. Pushkin and the composer M.I. Glinka. This performance is not just a charming fairy tale, but a philosophical parable about human feelings that are as eternal as the world: true love that conquers betrayal and deceit. Pushkin's lines are filled with love for heroes whose feelings are not fictitious, but real. Young, carefree Lyudmila, fearless Ruslan, in love with the pleasures of Ratmir, Gorislava, who retained her love for the young man who rejected her.
The magical characters of the poem that the main characters encounter, drawing them into a world of miracles, seem to test the truth of the lovers’ feelings, forcing them to make their choice... The great Russian composer M. Glinka conceived his opera a few months after the tragic death of Pushkin in a duel, dedicating his a product of his memory. In the ballet version of the opera, created by the famous composer, professor of the Moscow Conservatory Vladislav Agafonnikov, a number of musical cuts were made, the vocal and choral sections were reworked for the orchestra, and the necessary musical connections were made.
The ballet “Ruslan and Lyudmila” was created based on the works of two great creators of the Russian land - poet A.S. Pushkin and composer M.I. Glinka. This performance is not just a charming fairy tale, but a philosophical parable about human feelings that are as eternal as the world: true love that conquers betrayal and deceit. Pushkin's lines are filled with love for heroes whose feelings are not fictitious, but real. Young, carefree Lyudmila, fearless Ruslan, in love with the pleasures of Ratmir, Gorislava, who retained her love for the young man who rejected her. The magical characters of the poem that the main characters encounter, drawing them into the world of miracles, seem to test the truth of the lovers’ feelings and force them to make their choice.
The great Russian composer M. Glinka conceived his opera a few months after the tragic death of Pushkin in a duel, dedicating his work to his memory. In the ballet version of the opera, created by the famous composer, professor of the Moscow Conservatory Vladislav Agafonnikov, a number of musical cuts were made, the vocal and choral sections were reworked for the orchestra, and the necessary musical connections were made. The ballet “Ruslan and Lyudmila” attracts not only the dance and directorial discoveries of the outstanding choreographer of Russia Andrei Petrov, but also the luxurious scenery and costumes made by the wonderful theater designer Marina Sokolova.
The premiere of the play “Ruslan and Lyudmila” at the Kremlin Ballet Theater took place on March 31, 1992 and was enthusiastically received by critics and the public.
Choreographic fairy tale in 2 acts
Libretto by A. B. Petrov (based on the poem by A. S. Pushkin and the libretto of the opera of the same name by M. I. Glinka)
Staged by the Ballet Theater of the Kremlin Palace of Congresses, 1992
Director and choreographer ANDREY PETROV
Artist MARINA SOKOLOVA
Conductor ALEXANDER PETUKHOV
1 ACT
PROLOGUE
Under a mighty oak tree, the singer-storyteller Bayan plays the harp... Ruslan and Lyudmila meet under the wide crown of an oak tree. Their love is still a secret to everyone, and in the morning Lyudmila must choose a groom for herself.
I PICTURE
There is festive excitement in the grid of Grand Duke Svetozar. Everyone is looking forward to what kind of betrothed Lyudmila will choose. The princess's suitors appear: the arrogant Varangian knight Farlaf and the dreamy Khazar prince Ratmir. Ratmir is pursued by Gorislava, who is in love with him, with a plea to abandon the idea of becoming related to the Kyiv prince.
Here is Ruslan. The rivals look at each other with suspicion. Lyudmila appears. Her choice was made long ago. The squad and the prince praise the young couple. The wedding ceremony begins. The young are led under the canopy with honors... Thunder... Lightning...
The ominous figure of Chernomor appears. Everyone freezes. Enchanted by Chernomor, Lyudmila freezes. The evil sorcerer and his captive disappear.
Everyone woke up. Lyudmila is not here. Ruslan is in despair. Svetozar promises Lyudmila as a wife to the one who returns his daughter to him. All three knights vow to do this. The rivals leave Kyiv.
2 picture
Fairy forest. Naina pursues Finn with her love. He rejects her. She vows revenge.
Ruslan walks through the forest and comes to the home of the good Finn. The owner greets Ruslan cordially. In the smoke of the magic fire, Ruslan sees Lyudmila and Chernomor. Ruslan thanks Finn and leaves to look for Chernomor Castle.
Naina lies in wait for Farlaf. She promises him Lyudmila. A coward is ready for anything. His joy knows no bounds. Naina gives him what he dreamed of: a soft bed and a table with food. Overwhelmed by wine and gluttony, he falls asleep, forgetting about Lyudmila.
3 PICTURE
Ruslan goes out onto the field: traces of a bloody battle and the remains of heroes are visible. The Valley of Death makes a painful impression. Ruslan is tired. Doubts gnaw at him. Will I find Lyudmila, or maybe I will fall like these unknown warriors? Suddenly Ruslan sees a hill, with the shine of the moon it comes to life - the head is in front of the knight. The head crumbles into many warriors. The battle is fierce, the forces are unequal, but Ruslan emerges victorious. The warriors are scattered: in place of the head is a magic sword.
4 PICTURE
Naina casts a spell and attracts knights. Her retinue is a swarm of ugly old women, but with a gesture from the sorceress they turn into beautiful maidens. And Naina herself becomes a young beauty. The forest comes alive with a wonderful oriental palace. Naina waits for the victim and prepares a poisoned drink for her.
Gorislava relentlessly follows Ratmir, but he is inexorable. He longs to find Lyudmila, although Gorislava is dearer and closer to him, but the stubbornness of the proud prince is limitless. Ratmir leaves the crying Gorislava and enters Naina's palace. Magic maidens, wine and food - now he has lost his shield, his sword, and his helmet. Here is the seductress mistress. Naina's charms make Ratmir forget about everything in the world. Gorislava appears in the palace, bringing Finn and Ruslan with her. Together they free Ratmir from the spell.
2 ACT
1 PICTURE
Morning. Lyudmila wakes up in Chernomor Castle. Everything here is alien to her. The servants want to feed her wonderful dishes. Chernomor appears. Wanting to achieve Lyudmila's love, he takes the form of Ruslan. Lyudmila senses deception, and the spell dissipates. In front of her is a dwarf. Lyudmila tangles the villain's magical beard.
The servants of Chernomor come out in a solemn march, carrying the dwarf and his beard. Lyudmila is solemnly seated opposite Chernomor. Parade of the wizard's power. The Lezginka whirlwind captures everyone. Both thrones are carried in a circle. Lyudmila is almost unconscious. The dwarf approaches his victim with laughter...
The sound of a horn is heard. It is Ruslan who challenges Chernomor to a fight. The sorcerer enchants Lyudmila and draws his sword. A short but fierce fight, and the dwarf takes Ruslan under the clouds.
2 picture
Ruslan runs in with Chernomor's severed beard. Lyudmila sleeps in a witch's sleep and does not recognize her lover. A sobbing Ruslan takes Lyudmila away. Ratmir and Gorislava came to the aid of Ruslan.
3 PICTURE
Naina drags the shaking Farlaf - his time has come. Fear makes him submit. They follow Ruslan's trail.
4 PICTURE
Night in the steppe. Ratmir and Gorislava go into the forest. Ruslan guards Lyudmila's sleep, but, tired, falls asleep. Naina and Farlaf appear. Naina forces Farlaf to raise his sword against Ruslan. Farlaf plunges his sword into the knight's chest and kidnaps Lyudmila. Naina is triumphant. Suddenly Finn appears. In his hands he has two vessels - with dead and living water. He heals Ruslan's wounds.
Ruslan, Ratmir and Gorislava rush to Kyiv. Finn's blessing falls on them. Naina is defeated, her plans are destroyed,
5 PICTURE
Farlaf kidnapped Lyudmila and brought her to Kyiv. But no one is able to awaken her from her magical sleep. She doesn't even recognize her father...
The prince mourns his daughter. Unexpectedly for everyone, Ruslan appears. Farlaf begs for mercy. Ruslan's love awakens Lyudmila. Happiness and rejoicing in the palace of Prince Svetozar. The Russians praise the brave knight and the young princess...
“The legends of deep antiquity” are told in the language of classical dance: the mutual love of Ruslan and Lyudmila, her abduction by Chernomor, the rivalry of contenders for the hand and heart of the Kyiv princess - the cowardly Farlaf and the proud Ratmir, Chernomor and the witchcraft power of his beard...
Justice, good heroic strength and love defeat malice, deceit and cowardice.
We get to Trinity Square and walk along the Arsenal building.
It began to be built at the beginning of the 18th century. Construction took more than 30 years, because... a large share of government funds was allocated for the construction of the new capital, the city of Petrov. In 1819, cannons captured from Napoleon's troops were brought to the Arsenal. Later, ancient Russian guns were also transported here.
To the right of Trinity Square, on the site of the former Tsar-Dvor of Boris Godunov, is the State Kremlin Palace. So to speak, the latest history of the Kremlin. Erected in 1961 Ahead of it is an interesting pink building with unusual golden domes.
Amusing Palace
Miloslavsky Chambers
Boyarin Miloslavsky Ilya Dmitrievich was the father-in-law of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The chambers were built in the middle of the 17th century and were called the Amusing Palace, because they were equipped for “fun”, i.e. theatrical performances performed for the royal family. And “toy” domes rise on the house church at the Amusement Chambers, called the Temple of the Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Nowadays the Kremlin Commandant's Office is located here.
The Nikolskaya Tower of the Kremlin is visible in the distance.
Opposite us is the Senate building.
The quadrangular building, more like a triangle, faces Trinity Square with its shortest façade. Built in the second half of the 18th century by order of Catherine the Great, as the residence of the Governing Senate.
Under Soviet rule, V.I.’s office was located here. Lenin, then - the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Currently, the Senate Palace is the working residence of the President of the Russian Federation. To the right is a building covered with mounting fabric, similar in style to the Senate, but built in 1930. Government institutions were located here. Currently there is a debate on the topic of moving the Presidential Administration from the Kremlin and freeing all its buildings for tourism. Perhaps, in the place covered with a “construction blanket”, something will be installed reminiscent of the Chudov and Resurrection monasteries destroyed on this site...
And this is the view from the windows of the Kremlin Palace. On the left is the Arsenal building. Ahead is the same Nikolskaya Tower.
We go to Ivanovskaya Square. Under Boris Godunov, heralds loudly shouted the royal orders on this square. That’s why the square got a different name - Tsarskaya, and the people adopted the expression “shout at the top of Ivanovskaya”.
Cast in the 16th century, during the reign of Fyodor Ioanovich, by gunsmith Andrei Chokhov. In encyclopedias it is called a “classical bombard”, firing “shot” - stone cannonballs. Whether it was created in order to “wip the nose” of foreign diplomats and carried a purpose as a symbol of Russian power is for historians to decide. But Lev Nikolaevich Gumilyov, the creator of the theory of Russian passionarity, claimed that one day they fired from it... the ashes of False Dmitry. Perhaps this is a historical metaphor. Do you want to discuss this topic?
The Tsar Bell
In 1701, during a fire, a bell, which at that time was the largest in the world, fell from the Kremlin belfry and broke, weighing 196 tons.
In 1730, Empress Anna Ioannovna issued a decree ordering the bell to be cast using fragments of the broken one and new materials. During the Troitsk fire, burning logs flew into the pit with the bell - and people poured water on them. Due to the temperature difference, internal deformations of the metal occurred and during further work the piece fell off. ...And in the pit the King of All Bells lay for 100 years, until he was pulled out and placed on a throne on a bronze pedestal.
The Patriarchal Chambers and the adjacent Church of the Twelve Apostles. It was erected under Patriarch Nikon. 17th century..
Bell tower Ivan the Great
Erected in 1329 under Ivan Kalita. The only thing older than it by several years is the Assumption Cathedral, located nearby.
Ivan the Great (Church of St. John the Climacus) became the first and tallest bell tower in the city; its belfry was common to all Kremlin cathedrals.
Meanwhile, we go out to the most beautiful square of the Moscow Kremlin, Sobornaya. Cathedral Square (Three Cathedral Square) combines Russian schools of architecture and icon painting traditions and trends of the Mediterranean Renaissance.
The Assumption Cathedral or Patriarchal Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1326.
The cathedral served as a tomb for the highest church dignitaries - metropolitans and patriarchs. In 1547, Ivan IV was crowned king here. Since then, all coronations, until the last one, when Nicholas II ascended the throne, took place in the Assumption Cathedral.
“The legend about the creation of the first Assumption Cathedral says that Metropolitan Peter, before his death, predicted to Ivan Kalita that if he erected a temple in the name of the Mother of God at the very top of the Moscow hill, and made it the tomb of the metropolitan, then Moscow would become the center of all Russian lands.” (c)
At the end of the 15th century, the temple was restored by Aristotle Fioravanti. And the façade and interior walls of the temple were painted by Dionysius, a successor to Andrei Rublev’s school.
Even in the unsteady haze you can see how magnificent he is...
The Church of the Placement of Robes is the home church of metropolitans and patriarchs.
Behind it you can see the intricate toy domes of the Terem Church at the Terem Palace, which served as the chambers of the royal family.
And here is the Red Porch of the famous Palace of Facets.
Russian princes and tsars solemnly walked along the Red Porch to the Assumption Cathedral on the days of royal coronation, as well as during weddings. 
Especially respected foreigners were received here. Italian architect Marco Fryazin created this masterpiece on the instructions of Tsar Ivan III in 1487. The chamber is called Granovita because the facing stone was laid with its edges facing outward.
The Boyar Duma met in the Chamber, and here they “threw a feast for the whole world” on great occasions. Here Ivan the Terrible celebrated his victory over the Kazan Khanate, and Peter I celebrated the defeat of the Swedes near Poltava.
I couldn’t go inside, so the two bottom photos are from the Internet.
The system of cross vaults rests on a single pillar.
Friends who were lucky enough to be inside and capture this splendor, please share your photos!
Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In the second half of the 14th century, in its place there was a small court stone church of the Annunciation. It was painted by Feofan the Greek, Andrei Rublev and Prokhor from Gorodets.
During the fire of 1547, the building was badly damaged, but was restored and expanded.
Between the Church of the Annunciation and the Faceted Chamber we see the yellow wall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. It was built under Nicholas I. Nowadays it is the ceremonial residence of the GDP.
Next to the Annunciation Cathedral is the unearthly beauty of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. It was built in the 15th century. under Ivan Kalita. It was he who was destined to become the tomb of Russian princes and tsars from the reign of Ivan Kalita, and, right up to the transfer of the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
Cathedral of the Archangel.
Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy, grandson of Ivan Kalita, winner of the Mamaev Horde on the Kulikovo field, also rests here.
In the second half of the 14th century, the Grand Duke of Moscow Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy united and subjugated the Russian lands to his power. It was he who began to strengthen and build Moscow in white stone.
Appolinary Vasnetsov: “The Moscow Kremlin under Dmitry Donskoy”
Having made an excursion into the history of Tsarist and Orthodox Rus', we left Cathedral Square on Borovitskaya Street and headed to the Moskva River embankment. And a most wonderful observation deck opened before us.
Ahead is the Tainitskaya Tower of the Kremlin. Through it there was a secret exit to the Moscow River. And opposite, on the opposite bank - Sofia embankment.
Lookout place. Tainitskaya Tower.
On the right hand is the Armory Chamber. Ahead is the Borovitskaya Tower.
The clock told us that the performance would soon begin. And we hurried to the Amusement Chambers of the Kremlin Palace. I was once here, but in another life, under another tsar and president.
We went up to the balcony, simultaneously admiring the magnificent views from the windows of the Palace.
The familiar melody from “Ruslan and Lyudmila” from childhood sounded twice—the second call. We chose more comfortable seats, closer to the stage. Indeed, there was such an opportunity, thanks to the influenza epidemic.
So, pum-pum-pum! The ballet begins!
Conductor Yuri Bashmet waved his magic baton, the curtain flew skyward... to the wonderful music of Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka, taking us into a Pushkin fairy tale.
We see a mighty oak tree, in the canopy of which the storyteller Bayan, accompanied by the plucking of strings on the harp, told the love story of Ruslan and Lyudmila, tender as the petal of a morning lily.
(Photo from the Internet).
"Things of days gone by,
Deep legends of antiquity.
In the crowd of mighty sons,
With friends, in the high grid
Vladimir the sun feasted"...
Admirers and contenders for the princess’s hand appear: the boastful Varangian knight Farlaf and the ardent Khazar prince Ratmir. (Ratmir is accompanied by his lover Gorislava, constantly proving to him her endless devotion.)
Lyudmila chose Ruslan a long time ago. The young couple is led to the bedchamber accompanied by ritual dances.
But... evil forces do not sleep - and the hunchbacked sorcerer Chernomor with a long beard, whirling in a predatory dance, kidnaps the enchanted Lyudmila under the thunder of heaven.
Prince Svetozar, broken by grief, promises his daughter as a wife to the one who saves her. The rivals go in search of the stolen Lyudmila.
As usual in fairy tales, the brave main character is always helped by good forces. Old Finn helps Ruslan. The ritual fire of the Druids shows Lyudmila in the halls of Chernomor. And Ruslan sets off, simultaneously fighting with a huge head and winning a magic sword.
Finn is pursued by the old woman Naina with her obsessive love. As befits scary fairy-tale witches, she feeds on the ardor and strength of young husbands, playing on their vices. And rides them! Then the glutton Farlaf will bewitch him, tempting him with food and drinks. Then the proud eastern prince Ratmir will be drawn into the tent by a host of beautiful maidens, into whom ugly old women have turned. O unfortunate Gorislava! How to return your beloved bewitched prince?!
Friends, I will not retell the contents to you. It’s better to see it once: http://kremlinpalace.org/ru/events/ruslan-i-lyudmila
I just want to note that the artists performed their parts superbly! Lyudmila was fragile, charming and unusually flexible. Dwarf Chernomor is disgusting! His attempts to regain his former youth through witchcraft are ridiculous and disgusting! Naina, a shaking wreck in rags, transforming into a beautiful maiden and, again, into an old woman darting around like a shadow, was inimitable. Brave Farlaf is smug and boastful, Ratmir is loving, not noticing his dear and devoted woman next to him... How this fabulous round dance, whirling to the music of Glinka, resembles a small world, the inhabitants of which are you and me.
As usual, good triumphed. A curtain. The ovation did not stop for a very long time...
Ballet "Ruslan and Lyudmila"
Ticket price: 900-2500 rubles
The cost of one ticket includes reservation and delivery services.
For exact prices and availability of tickets, please call the website. Tickets are available.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ballet in two acts
M. Glinka, V. Agafonnikov
Libretto - Andrey Petrov, based on the poem by A. S. Pushkin and the opera by M. I. Glinka
Choreographer - People's Artist of the Russian Federation, Moscow Prize laureate Andrey Petrov
Production designer - Marina Sokolova
Under a mighty oak tree, the singer-storyteller Bayan plays the harp... Ruslan and Lyudmila meet under the wide crown of an oak tree. Their love is still a secret to everyone, and in the morning Lyudmila must choose a groom for herself.
I PICTURE
There is festive excitement in the grid of Grand Duke Svetozar. Everyone is looking forward to what kind of betrothed Lyudmila will choose. The princess's suitors appear: the arrogant Varangian knight Farlaf and the dreamy Khazar prince Ratmir. Ratmir is pursued by Gorislava, who is in love with him, with a plea to abandon the idea of becoming related to the Kyiv prince.
Here is Ruslan. The rivals look at each other with suspicion. Lyudmila appears. Her choice was made long ago. The squad and the prince praise the young couple. The wedding ceremony begins. The young are led under the canopy with honors... Thunder... Lightning...
The ominous figure of Chernomor appears. Everyone freezes. Enchanted by Chernomor, Lyudmila freezes. The evil sorcerer and his captive disappear.
Everyone woke up. Lyudmila is not here. Ruslan is in despair. Svetozar promises Lyudmila as a wife to the one who returns his daughter to him. All three knights vow to do this. The rivals leave Kyiv.
2 picture
Fairy forest. Naina pursues Finn with her love. He rejects her. She vows revenge.
Ruslan walks through the forest and comes to the home of the good Finn. The owner greets Ruslan cordially. In the smoke of the magic fire, Ruslan sees Lyudmila and Chernomor. Ruslan thanks Finn and leaves to look for Chernomor Castle.
Naina lies in wait for Farlaf. She promises him Lyudmila. A coward is ready for anything. His joy knows no bounds. Naina gives him what he dreamed of: a soft bed and a table with food. Overwhelmed by wine and gluttony, he falls asleep, forgetting about Lyudmila.
3 PICTURE
Ruslan goes out onto the field: traces of a bloody battle and the remains of heroes are visible. The Valley of Death makes a painful impression. Ruslan is tired. Doubts gnaw at him. Will I find Lyudmila, or maybe I will fall like these unknown warriors? Suddenly Ruslan sees a hill, with the shine of the moon it comes to life - the head is in front of the knight. The head crumbles into many warriors. The battle is fierce, the forces are unequal, but Ruslan emerges victorious. The warriors are scattered: in place of the head is a magic sword.
4 PICTURE
Naina casts a spell and attracts knights. Her retinue is a swarm of ugly old women, but with a gesture from the sorceress they turn into beautiful maidens. And Naina herself becomes a young beauty. The forest comes alive with a wonderful oriental palace. Naina waits for the victim and prepares a poisoned drink for her.
Gorislava relentlessly follows Ratmir, but he is inexorable. He longs to find Lyudmila, although Gorislava is dearer and closer to him, but the stubbornness of the proud prince is limitless. Ratmir leaves the crying Gorislava and enters Naina's palace. Magic maidens, wine and food - now he has lost his shield, his sword, and his helmet. Here is the seductress mistress. Naina's charms make Ratmir forget about everything in the world. Gorislava appears in the palace, bringing Finn and Ruslan with her. Together they free Ratmir from the spell.
1 PICTURE
Morning. Lyudmila wakes up in Chernomor Castle. Everything here is alien to her. The servants want to feed her wonderful dishes. Chernomor appears. Wanting to achieve Lyudmila's love, he takes the form of Ruslan. Lyudmila senses deception, and the spell dissipates. In front of her is a dwarf. Lyudmila tangles the villain's magical beard.
The servants of Chernomor come out in a solemn march, carrying the dwarf and his beard. Lyudmila is solemnly seated opposite Chernomor. Parade of the wizard's power. The Lezginka whirlwind captures everyone. Both thrones are carried in a circle. Lyudmila is almost unconscious. The dwarf approaches his victim with laughter...
The sound of a horn is heard. It is Ruslan who challenges Chernomor to a fight. The sorcerer enchants Lyudmila and draws his sword. A short but fierce fight, and the dwarf takes Ruslan under the clouds.
2 picture
Ruslan runs in with Chernomor's severed beard. Lyudmila sleeps in a witch's sleep and does not recognize her lover. A sobbing Ruslan takes Lyudmila away. Ratmir and Gorislava came to the aid of Ruslan.
3 PICTURE
Naina drags the shaking Farlaf - his time has come. Fear makes him submit. They follow Ruslan's trail.
4 PICTURE
Night in the steppe. Ratmir and Gorislava go into the forest. Ruslan guards Lyudmila's sleep, but, tired, falls asleep. Naina and Farlaf appear. Naina forces Farlaf to raise his sword against Ruslan. Farlaf plunges his sword into the knight's chest and kidnaps Lyudmila. Naina is triumphant. Suddenly Finn appears. In his hands he has two vessels - with dead and living water. He heals Ruslan's wounds.
Ruslan, Ratmir and Gorislava rush to Kyiv. Finn's blessing falls on them. Naina is defeated, her plans are destroyed,
5 PICTURE
Farlaf kidnapped Lyudmila and brought her to Kyiv. But no one is able to awaken her from her magical sleep. She doesn't even recognize her father...
The prince mourns his daughter. Unexpectedly for everyone, Ruslan appears. Farlaf begs for mercy. Ruslan's love awakens Lyudmila. Happiness and rejoicing in the palace of Prince Svetozar. The Russians praise the brave knight and the young princess...
