Sāvitri (opera)

Sāvitri is a chamber opera in one act composed by Gustav Holst, with a libretto written by the composer himself. The opera is based on the story of Savitri and Satyavan from the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. Holst was deeply influenced by Hindu philosophy and literature, which profoundly impacted his musical style and choice of subject matter.

The opera tells the story of Savitri, a woman whose love for her husband, Satyavan, is so strong that she is able to outwit Yama, the god of death, and restore Satyavan to life. The opera premiered in 1916 and is considered a significant work in the English operatic repertoire.

The score calls for only three solo singers: Savitri (soprano), Satyavan (tenor), and Death (bass). The opera also utilizes a wordless female chorus, often representing the forest, that adds a mystical and ethereal dimension to the piece. The instrumentation is relatively sparse, consisting of two flutes, an English horn, a string quartet, and a double bass, creating an intimate and reflective atmosphere.

Holst's musical language in Sāvitri is characterized by its modal harmonies, lyrical melodies, and subtle orchestration. The influence of Indian music is evident in the use of drones and melismatic vocal lines. The opera is notable for its spiritual depth, its exploration of themes of love, death, and devotion, and its significant contribution to the development of English opera. The work is often performed in churches and other intimate spaces, reflecting its chamber opera format and its focus on the inner lives of its characters.