The Prisoner of the Caucasus (opera)

The Prisoner of the Caucasus is an opera in three acts (four scenes) by César Cui, composed in 1857–1858 and revised in 1881–1882. The libretto was written by Viktor Krylov, based on Alexander Pushkin's poem of the same name, "The Prisoner of the Caucasus" (1821-1822). It was Cui's first opera.

The opera tells the story of a Russian officer held captive by the Circassians in the Caucasus mountains. He falls in love with a Circassian woman who ultimately helps him escape, sacrificing herself in the process. The themes of captivity, freedom, love across cultural divides, and self-sacrifice are central to the narrative.

The opera received its premiere on February 16, 1883, at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, conducted by Eduard Nápravník. Although it received a respectful reception, it did not achieve lasting popularity and is not frequently performed today. However, it remains significant as an early example of Russian orientalist opera, reflecting the fascination with the Caucasus region prevalent in Russian literature and art of the 19th century. The opera's score features lyrical melodies and dramatic orchestration, showcasing Cui's developing compositional style. While overshadowed by later works by Cui and other Russian composers, The Prisoner of the Caucasus occupies a place in the history of Russian opera as an adaptation of a celebrated Pushkin poem and an exploration of themes that resonated with contemporary audiences.