Koroghlu

Short Synopsis of the Opera

Act I

Scene One. A mountainous Azerbaijani village owned by Hasan Khan. The villagers complain about their hard lives. Hasan Khan arrives with his entourage and orders to select the best horse from his herd as a gift for a neighboring ruler. Ibrahim Khan says the best horses are in the pasture. Angered, Hasan Khan orders the servant Ali’s eyes to be gouged out.

Nigar, one of Hasan Khan’s servants, is in love with Ali’s son Rovshan. Unaware of Hasan Khan’s cruelty, she only longs to be with her beloved. Blinded Ali arrives and tells his son: "From now on, your name is Koroghlu." Rovshan swears to destroy Hasan Khan. The villagers join him and retreat into the mountains.

Scene Two. Hasan Khan is anxious. Aware of his own weakness, he summons Turkish Pasha Ehsan and forms an alliance against Koroghlu. The court jester suggests stealing Koroghlu’s beloved horse, Kyrat. The cunning bald Hamza agrees in exchange for the promise to receive Nigar. Nigar is saddened and secretly sends a message to Koroghlu through her brother Eyvaz.

Act II

Scene Three. The fortress of Chanlibel. Koroghlu and his comrades, inspired for battle, set out from the fortress. They are joined by Georgians, Lezgins, and other peoples. All swear loyalty and brotherhood. Near the fortress walls, Hamza appears disguised as a groom and asks for shelter. Koroghlu assigns him to care for Kyrat. At night, taking advantage of the fog, Hamza steals the horse. Koroghlu’s men pursue him but fail to catch him.

Act III

Scene Four. Celebration in Hasan Khan’s palace. Girls sing and dance. The festivity is in honor of Hamza for stealing Kyrat. Hasan Khan promises Nigar to him. A minstrel arrives. The khan and pasha invite him to sing. Hamza recognizes the minstrel — it's Koroghlu. Alarmed, he reveals his identity. The courtiers seize and bind Koroghlu. Then comes news that Eyvaz has been captured en route to Chanlibel. Everyone is shocked — who sent him? Nigar confesses it was her. All curse Nigar. Furious, Hamza tries to kill her, but Koroghlu breaks free and delivers a fatal blow to Hamza. He escapes on Kyrat. Hasan Khan orders the execution of Nigar, Eyvaz, and Polad.

Scene Five. City square. A public execution is announced — Nigar, Eyvaz, and Polad are to be beheaded. The people curse Hasan Khan and his executioners. At the last moment, Koroghlu’s men surround the area and free the captives. The people greet their hero — Koroghlu.

Conductor – Mustafa Mehmandarov
Stage Director – Hafiz Guliyev, Honored Art Worker
Stage Designers – Tahir Salahov, People's Artist of the USSR
Tehran Babayev, Honored Cultural Worker
Choreographer – Qamar Almaszade, People's Artist of the USSR
Choirmaster – Sevil Hajiyeva, Honored Art Worker

Koroglu – Yusif Eyvazov, People's Artist
Nigar – Ilaha Afandiyeva, Honored Artist
Hasan Khan – Jahangir Gurbanov, Honored Artist
Ehsan Pasha – Taleh Yahyayev
Ibrahim Khan – Mahir Taghizade
Hamza Bey – Farid Aliyev, Honored Artist
Ali – Akram Poladov, People's Artist
Jester – Aliahmad Ibrahimov, Honored Artist
Polad – Muhammad Shammedov
Eyvaz – Nazar Beylarov
Female Mugham Singer – Fidan Hajiyeva, People's Artist
Courtiers – Fahmin Ahmadli
Tural Agasiyev, Honored Artist
Ilkin Ahmadov, Honored Artist
Fuad Azizzade
Heralds – Aliahmad Ibrahimov, Honored Artist
Nazar Beylarov
Mahabbat Safarov
Peasant Nadir – Khalid Dashdemir
Peasant Vali – Mahabbat Safarov