The famous poem Juno and Avos is a love story. Great love stories: “Juno and Avos Juno and maybe the genre of the work

"Juno and Avos" is one of the most famous modern operas by the composer Alexei Rybnikov based on the verses of the poet Andrei Voznesensky. Its first show on the stage of the Moscow Theater named after Lenin Komsomol ("Lenkom") took place on July 9, 1981.

In the late 1970s, the famous composer Alexei Rybnikov became interested in creating musical improvisations based on Orthodox chants. Once he demonstrated his achievements to the artistic director of "Lenkom" Mark Zakharov, after which he set about to create an opera based on them based on "The Tale of Igor's Campaign". It was decided to turn to Andrei Voznesensky to write the libretto for the opera. Voznesensky did not support this idea, but instead offered to use his poem "Perhaps", created in 1970. He managed to convince Rybnikov and Zakharov, after which work began on adapting the poem to the stage. I had to work on many scenes and arias.

Since the word "rock opera" was forbidden at that time (as well as rock music in general), the authors called the work "modern opera".

The staging of dance numbers was carried out by choreographer Vladimir Vasiliev.

The plot of the poem and rock opera is based on the romantic love story of the Russian traveler Nikolai Rezanov and the daughter of the governor of San Francisco, Maria Conchita Argüello de la Concepción.

Chamberlain Rezanov, having buried his wife, decided to devote all his strength to the service of Russia. His suggestions about the need to try to establish trade relations with North America for a long time did not meet with a response from the authorities, but at last he was ordered to carry out the desired journey. Before leaving, Rezanov says that from a young age he was tormented by one circumstance, the impression that the icon of the Kazan Mother of God made on him - since then he has treated the Virgin Mary more as a beloved woman than as the Mother of God. Appearing to him in a vision, the Mother of God tells him not to be horrified by his feelings and promises to pray for him.

Under St. Andrew's flag, two ships, "Juno and Avos", sail to the coast of California. In California, Spain at that time, the wedding of Conchita, the daughter of the governor, and Senor Federico is approaching. Rezanov, on behalf of Russia, welcomes California, and the governor invites him, as the ambassador of Emperor Alexander, to a ball in honor of his daughter's sixteenth birthday. At the ball, Rezanov invites Conchita to dance - and this event becomes fatal in their lives and in the life of Federico. The groom is openly jealous, Rezanov's companions make a cynical bet whether he can "pick a California flower." The men understand that none of them will step aside without a fight.

At night, Conchita prays to the Virgin Mary in her bedroom. Rezanov comes to her with words of love.

At this moment, a reciprocal feeling arises in Conchita's soul, and she reciprocates Rezanov. But happy fortune from that moment turns away from Rezanov. Conchita's fiancé challenges him to a duel, during which Federico dies. The Russians are forced to urgently leave San Francisco.

Having made a secret engagement with Conchita, Rezanov embarks on the return journey. In Siberia, he falls ill with a fever and dies near Krasnoyarsk. And Conchita remains true to her love for the rest of her life. After waiting for Rezanov for thirty-five years - from sixteen to fifty-two - she takes the veil as a nun and ends her days in the cell of the Dominican monastery in San Francisco.

Nikolai Karachentsov (Count Rezanov), Elena Shanina (Conchitta), Alexander Abdulov (Federico) were involved in the first part of the performance. Immediately after the release, the opera became the most discussed event in the cultural life of the capital.

The rock opera "Juno" and "Avos" has successfully passed the test of time - the performance is still going on with the same full houses. Over the 30-year history, six performers of the role of Conchita and three chamberlains of Rezanov have changed.

Currently, on the stage of the Lenkom Theater, the role of chamberlain, Count Nikolai Rezanov is performed by People's Artists of Russia and Viktor Rakov; Conchita - Alla Yuganova and Alexandra Volkova.

There are two television versions of the play - 1983 and 2002. The first version captures the classic look of the performance with Nikolai Karachentsov, Elena Shanina and Alexander Abdulov. The second version, filmed for the 20th anniversary of the performance, features Nikolai Karachentsov, Anna Bolshova and Viktor Rakov.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources

There is no sadder story in the world than the love story of the 42-year-old Russian navigator Count Rezanov and the 15-year-old Californian girl Conchita Argüello, everyone who watched the play or read Voznesensky's poem "Maybe" is sure, according to which it was staged.

35 years ago, on July 9, 1981, the premiere of the rock opera Juno and Avos took place at the Lenin Komsomol Theater in Moscow. A poignant story based on the verses of Andrei Voznesensky with music by Alexei Rybnikov, brilliantly staged by Mark Zakharov, is still popular - largely due to the incredible acting.

The images created by Nikolai Karachentsov and Elena Shanina were so convincing that no one could even doubt the veracity of the story. Unfortunately, historians believe that in life everything was not as beautiful as in the play.

Rock opera Juno and Avos. Frame from the TV version of the play, 1983

Let's start with the fact that Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov was not a count. He was born into an impoverished noble family in St. Petersburg on March 28, 1764. Soon his father was appointed chairman of the civil chamber of the provincial court in Irkutsk, and the family moved to Eastern Siberia.

Nikolai received an education at home - apparently, very, very good, because, among other things, he knew five foreign languages. At the age of 14, he entered the military service - first in the artillery, but soon, for his stateliness, dexterity and beauty, he was transferred to the Izmailovsky Life Guards Regiment.

Most likely, Empress Catherine II herself took part in the fate of the young handsome man - otherwise it is difficult to explain the dizzying rise of his career.

During the trip of the Empress in the Crimea in 1780, Nikolai was personally responsible for her safety, and he was only 16 years old. It is unlikely that such a responsible appointment could be explained by great experience in ensuring the safety of the reigning persons.

Inseparably, day and night, he was then with the mother queen, and then something happened and the empress was left dissatisfied with the young guard. What exactly happened is unknown, but the sharp rise in his career was followed by the same sharp disgrace. In any case, he left military service and disappeared for a long time from the environment of the empress.

American enterprise

Rezanov came to America 26 years later - in 1806, following the order to inspect Russian settlements in Alaska. Arriving in Novo-Arkhangelsk, Rezanov found the Russian colony in a terrible state. The settlers simply died of hunger, as food was delivered to them through all of Siberia and further by sea. It took months, and they came spoiled.

Rezanov bought from the merchant John Wulff the Juno ship full of food and gave it to the settlers. But until spring, these products would not be enough, so Rezanov ordered the construction of another ship, Avos.

From this place the events of the rock opera begin. According to the plot, both ships - "Juno" and "Avos", under the leadership of the naval commander Nikolai Rezanov, went for food for the Russian colonies in Alaska.

In San Francisco, the 42-year-old count met the 15-year-old daughter of the commandant of the fortress, the Spaniard Concepción (Conchita) Arguello. Love broke out between them, and Rezanov secretly became engaged to Conchita. After that, on duty, he went to Alaska, and then to St. Petersburg, in order to obtain permission to marry a Catholic. On the way, he fell ill and died suddenly.

For more than 30 years, Conchita had been waiting for the return of her lover, and when the news of his death was confirmed, she took her hair as a nun.

I really don’t want to doubt the sincerity of Rezanov’s feelings for the young Spaniard, but numerous testimonies indicate that he was rather guided by a sober calculation.
Indeed, he made an offer, but his main goal was to arrange the supply of Russian colonies, and this marriage could turn out to be very, very useful.

The fact is that the events took place at a time of exacerbation of Franco-Russian relations. France was an ally of Spain, which at that time owned California. The commandant of San Francisco was instructed not to enter into trade relations with the enemy. The daughter could convince a loving father to break the order.

The ship's doctor wrote that Rezanov did not look like a man who had lost his head:

“One would think that he fell in love with this beauty. However, in view of the prudence inherent in this cold man, it would be more careful to admitthat he simply had some diplomatic views on her.

Donna Maria de la Concepción Marcella Argüello (Conchita) - beloved bride of the Russian commander Nikolai Rezanov

However, witnesses of the events claimed that, alas, there was more calculation than passion on the part of Conchita. Rezanov constantly inspired her with the idea of ​​​​a luxurious life in Russia at the imperial court. The stories turned the girl's head, and soon she only dreamed of becoming the wife of a Russian chamberlain.

At first, the parents were against it, but seeing the determination of their daughter, they agreed to betroth the young. After that, products began to be brought to Juno in such quantities that there was nowhere to ship them.

Nikolai Karachentsov as Rezanov, rock opera Juno and Avos, 1983

Of course, Rezanov was not going to deceive the girl - he really planned to marry her and take her with him in order to establish ties with California and strengthen Russia's position on the American continent.

But having left California in June 1806, Rezanov never returned there. Falling ill on the road, he died of a fever on March 1, 1807.

In his last letter, which he wrote to M. Buldakov, the husband of the sister of his late first wife, Nikolai Petrovich made a very unexpected confession that shed light on the whole story:

“From my California report, my friend, do not consider me an anemone. My love is with you in Nevsky under a piece of marble (note - the first wife), and here is a consequence of enthusiasm and a new sacrifice to the Fatherland. Conception is sweet as an angel, beautiful, kind in heart, loves me; I love her, and I cry that there is no place for her in my heart, here I am, my friend, as a sinner in spirit, I repent, but you, as my shepherd, keep the secret.

According to this letter, until the last days, Rezanov's only love was Anna Shelekhova, his first wife, who died many years ago from puerperal fever.

However, this does not make the story told by Voznesensky and staged by Zakharov any less beautiful. For Zakharov, Rezanov's expedition was just an excuse to talk about his favorite topic - that "glory to the madmen who dare to love, knowing that all this will come to an end!" And he did it flawlessly.

Hallelujah to the beloved couple,
We forgot, scolding and feasting,
Why did we come to earth
Hallelujah of love, hallelujah of love
Hallelujah.

Hallelujah to the actors of the tragedy,
That we were given a second life,
Loving us through the centuries
Hallelujah of love, hallelujah!

Lenkom Theater Performance "Juno and Avos"

Summary

Creators "Juno and Avos" defined the genre of this performance as "modern opera". Its plot is based on the fate of the Russian count, chamberlain Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov, who set off in 1806 on the sailboats "Juno" and "Avos" to the shores of California.

Spiritual suffocation, the unbearability of existence in Russia make Rezanov look for new lands to fulfill the eternal dream of a free country for the Russian people. Rezanov is aware of the utopian nature of his plans, but stubbornly submits one petition after another with a request to be allowed to travel to California.

The refusals broke his will. In desperation, Rezanov prays to the Mother of God, confessing his most intimate and frightening feeling - love for the Mother of God as a woman. Rezanov is seized by a painful obsession and he hears an unearthly voice blessing him. Following this, Rezanov's dream comes true - he receives the highest permission to travel.

After a hard journey across the Pacific Ocean, Rezanov comes into contact with the Spanish Franciscan monks and with the governor of San Francisco, José Dario Arguello. Being invited to an appointment with the governor, Rezanov meets his daughter, sixteen-year-old Concepsia de Arguello. At the ball, Conchita's fiancé Federico sings a sonnet about the sad fate of two lovers, and Rezanov sees in Conchita the earthly embodiment of the supernatural passion that torments him.

At night in the garden, Rezanov hears Conchita and Federico talking about their upcoming engagement. Unable to cope with the feeling that gripped him, he enters Conchita's bedroom. Rezanov begs her for love, and then, despite all the girl's despair, takes possession of her ... And again a sad, quiet, unearthly voice is heard. At this moment, love is born in Conchita's soul, and only despair and bitterness remain in Rezanov's soul.

From this moment on, happy fortune turns away from Rezanov. His act causes Conchita's fiancé to challenge the chamberlain to a duel, during which Federico dies. The Russians are forced to urgently leave San Francisco.

In his letter to Rumyantsev, Rezanov writes that his dreams of enlightening human souls in the new Russian colonies have been shattered, and he dreams of one thing: to return the ships and sailors to Russia.

After a secret engagement with Conchita, Rezanov sets off on his return trip. In Siberia, he falls ill with a fever and dies near Krasnoyarsk. Conchita remains true to her love for the rest of her life. After waiting thirty years for Rezanov, she takes the veil as a nun and ends her days in the cell of the Dominican monastery in San Francisco.

The famous poem Juno and Avos of the Russian modern opera, written in 1970. In those years, they avoided using the word "rock opera" because rock was banned. But the fact is obvious - it was the first Russian rock opera.

It remains the most popular to this day. One of the great playwrights said: “In order for the performance to be successful, it must have a positive ending, where everyone is happy. And only a genius can afford to create a performance with a tragic ending.

The masterpiece is not destined to sink into oblivion! A captivating charming story in its production went around the world. The first premiere of the opera abroad took place at the Espace Cardin in Paris in 1983. Buy tickets for juno and maybe - you will see a legend that continues to capture the hearts of people today.

It just so happened that all the components of this performance turned out to be brilliant: poetry, music, staging. The plot incredibly captivated its creators. The libretto of Juno and Avos is based on the real events of 1806 surrounding the love story of Nikolai Rezanov, a Russian nobleman, and Maria Concepción Argüello, daughter of the Spanish governor of Alta California.

Voznesensky was inspired to create his own poem by the diaries of Count Rezanov, a book about Rezanov's expedition by George Alexandra Lensen, the ballad "Concepción de Argüello" by Francis Bret Garth, and read by Pyotr Tikhmenev - "History of the Russian-American Company".

Come share the excitement of the famous dramatic production of "Juno and Avos" - a story of romantic love, so celebrated by poets and writers. Their love story, like the love stories of Alexander the Great and Thais of Athens, Anthony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet, is admirable.

The original plot of Juno and Avos

The opera is named after the two sailing ships Juno and Avos, who made up the expedition of the Russian explorer. Voznesensky never claimed that the opera had historical accuracy, but the characters in his poem are echoes of the fates of real people.

Conchita was just a teenager when the Russian ship arrived in San Francisco Bay. Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov, envoy of Tsar Alexander I, has a difficult mission: he needs to establish trade relations with the Spanish side of colonial North America. There was a desperate need to provide food for the Russian settlement of Sitka, Alaska. The task was complicated by the fact that Spain was an ally of Napoleon.

Perhaps the mission would have been a failure if it were not for the outbreak of mutual love between the 15-year-old beauty Conchita, a young Spaniard, and the Russian captain Rezanov. Their love was not hindered by religious, linguistic, and age barriers. The shocked parents of the girl give their consent to their betrothal. This wedding was to be a friendly alliance between Spain and Russia.

Nicholas must return to St. Petersburg in order to obtain permission for a mixed Orthodox-Catholic marriage. On the way, he fell ill with pneumonia, besides, he received a head injury, falling from a horse - he died near Krasnoyarsk. Concepcion, however, patiently waits for him: every day she goes to the cape to meet him. Now at this place is the Golden Gate Bridge.

After 5 years, she receives reliable information that announced his death.
After the death of his lover, Concepción remains to live in his parents' house for another 20 years, struggles with thoughts of the tragedy and constantly refuses all his many fans. During these years, she has been involved in charitable activities in California, Guadalajara, and Mexico. Then she joins the sisterhood of the Dominican monastery, where she lived until 1857.

Even if we return to Earth
We are secondarily, according to Hafiz
We, perhaps, will warm up with you
I will never see you!

8 chord selections

Biography

Moscow, 10 July. Combining Western rock, passionate dancing, Russian church chants, a Russian-American love story, the musical gives the impression that it was made to order, so that the guardians of Soviet culture would respond to it: “No!”
The play “Perhaps” is just that, but its premiere nevertheless took place last week at the Theater. Lenin Komsomol. Being in work for four years, an exquisite bizarre synthesis of themes and forms grown in the native soil and brought from outside, it is designated as the first for the Soviet stage, where rock operas in general are a rather new and rare phenomenon.
A combination of religion, half-disguised allusions to politics and frank recognition of Western rock. It is not surprising that this production had a long and thorny path. The album, recorded a year ago by the Soviet company Melodiya, had not yet been released, the director of the museum where the recording of the opera was performed was on the verge of being fired, and the scheduled premiere date was postponed from April.
Serge Schlemann, New York Times, July 11, 1981

“The noise that made its way through the walls and ceilings of the theater. Lenin Komsomol was loud enough to wake up the founder of the Soviet state in his Kremlin mausoleum. After almost three weeks of bickering with the Soviet official authorities, hard rock triumphantly captured the Lenkom stage. This happened on the occasion of the premiere of the country's first rock opera "Juno and Avos" by Alexei Rybnikov, a popular composer known for his film scores. In addition to guitars, violins, cellos, drums and a 16-piece choir, Rybnikov needed electronic instruments, including a multi-tone synthesizer and a Roland paraphonic, rarely used until now in the USSR. The opera was a bold blend of hard rock rhythms, sparkling folk melodies and traditional Russian Orthodox chants.
Already the first act clearly showed that this performance will be the greatest turning point in the theatrical life of Moscow in recent years, an exciting discovery that will enter the current repertoire of the Theater. Lenin Komsomol. The 810-seat theater was filled to capacity that evening. The privileged audience, which received free invitation cards, enthusiastically greeted Rybnikov and Voznesensky with a standing ovation, paying tribute to them.
Time Magazine, July 20, 1981

THE FIRST AND LAST RUSSIAN ROCK OPERA

“All tickets have been sold. Long queues crowd around the cash desks, and it is impossible to get a double album recorded by the Melodiya company in stores. "Juno and Avos", written by the amazing avant-garde Soviet composer Alexei Rybnikov, based on a poem by the famous Russian poet Andrei Voznesensky and staged by the chief director of the theater. Leninist Komsomol Mark Zakharov, absorbed the most subtle "vibrating" talents that are now in Russia.
Sunday Times Magazine, November 27, 1983

“This story came to life on the Moscow stage to the sounds of the brilliant music of the popular composer Alexei Rybnikov, with choreography by Vladimir Vasilyev from the Bolshoi Theater, directed by Mark Zakharov and, of course, based on the libretto by Voznesensky.”
International Herald Tribune, March 11, 1983

"The music of Alexei Rybnikov is eclectic and exciting, it is a huge palette that includes all the diversity from heavy metal rock melodies to the mesmerizing melodies of captivating romances, and often Russian Orthodox music."
Newsweek, November 28, 1983

"This is not just some eclectic composition, this is a new musical style that has nothing to do with traditional rock."
Quotidien de Paris, November 17, 1983

“In the ecstasy flowing through the synthesizers, one hears greetings from a far, far away from “Boris Godunov”. The choir borrowed the experience of the Volga barge haulers. And when they think they're getting too bogged down in the inaccuracies of disco, a church bell wedges in between.
...Super-Hallelujah turns into real frenzied applause already without amplifiers.
Die Welt, July 7, 1988

“The Russians this time again had a stunning effect on our sight and hearing: no one could have imagined that a theater from a socialist state could show such optical splendor, such dance and vocal power, such peals of rock and such a perfect musical form.”
Composer Alexey Rybnikov created a spectacular musical mix of folklore, church choir and rock songs.
The tour became a triumphant success.”
Frankfurter Rundschau, July 9-10, 1988

“This performance is amazing, because no one expects that such amazing sound material can be brought from Moscow, the creation of which we owe to the composer Alexei Rybnikov ... with an amazing constellation of mystical voices, of which the voice of the Kazan Mother of God is the most amazing ...
But the most amazing thing is to see the Parisians go out with the melodies of "rock opera" on their lips, unknown to them even the day before. With melodies that won't leave us anymore."
France-Soir, November 23, 1983

"Ultra-conservative zealots of the standard operatic repertoire may be irritated and offended, but anyone with a penchant for adventurous audio adventures will be intrigued by the sound of this recording, which contains many great moments."
Opera Australia May 1986

You go home with music in your head, says Pierre Cardin. - It's not a musical comedy, it's an opera. But not a boring opera. The music is so strong that it doesn't matter if you speak Russian."
The Scence/New York, January 8, 1990

FIRST PERFORMANCE

“In Moscow, in a baroque Russian church, which is today part of the icon museum, a motley crowd of visitors gathered to attend a peculiar performance.
To the right and left of the altar there are huge loudspeakers of stereo equipment, in the center there is a table with a tape recorder, at which the composer Alexei Rybnikov presents his new work, which is called Avos. Rybnikov, a man of 30, said at the beginning a few words about his composition and text, and then a hundred people gathered here listened to music for an hour and a half in an unheated winter room without taking off their warm coats. The atmosphere was reminiscent of cultural programs in post-war Germany.
Why was the church chosen as the venue for the performance, why did this small amateur community gather here? .. Rybnikov created such a characteristic work in the rock opera genre that is atypical for Moscow, and perhaps for the entire Soviet Union. What happened that evening set in motion a gray area of ​​Soviet cultural life.

Alexei Rybnikov is a famous composer. He says that since the age of ten he tried his hand at composition. Today, the list of his works is great, here is the music for television performances and films "Pinocchio", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Baron Munchausen", "Treasure Island" - only about forty. In 1976, he meets on his creative path the director of the Moscow Theater. Lenin Komsomol Mark Zakharov. Thanks to this meeting, an almost unknown genre of music and drama was born in our country until now. Rybnikov writes music for the works of Pablo Neruda "The Star and Death of Joaquin Murieta" and after that the rock opera "Juno and Avos".
The liberalization in musical life that has been observed for several years and aimed at eliminating the discontent of young people, the gradual admission of jazz, pop music, tours and receptions by Western groups, which were very successful all this allowed Rybnikov to take the first steps towards the music of rock opera with undoubted attraction to authentic Russian musical traditions. An interesting and consistent example of such a new opera is Juno and Avos.
Rybnikov used the libretto by A. Voznesensky, telling about a story that took place in the 19th century ... Count Rezanov undertook an expedition on the ships "Juno" and "Avos" from Russia to California, where he fell in love with the daughter of the governor of San Francisco, a sixteen-year-old girl. He left ... she waited for him for many years and, finally, went to the monastery. Count Rezanov died near Krasnoyarsk...
At first glance, a sentimental love story, nevertheless, through the text of the lyrics of Andrei Voznesensky, through the music of Alexei Rybnikov, undoubtedly reached a high level.
The current objections to censorship, which is still delaying the release of the record, are probably due to idealistic visions of Russian-American relations. Critical statements about tsarist Russia are also relevant today. This is how Rybnikov's opera can be understood.
Clear adherence to Russian traditions, primarily in the field of church music, found in the text of prayers, sacred music, sometimes very loud, sometimes very quiet, here, in the museum room or, more precisely, in the church was in its place. As a modern visual medium, she pushed the boundaries of musical and bureaucratic limitations. Music says more than a description of Rybnikov's talent as a composer, his fantasy in using modern achievements, his expression. It is a pity that this work will not become public property ... "
Klaus Kunze, Westdeutsche Rundfunk, February 1981

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

Rezanov Nikolai Petrovich (1764 1807) - an outstanding Russian traveler and statesman, one of the founders of the Russian-American Trading Company. He came from a poor family of noblemen of the Smolensk province. Served as a Lieutenant of the Life Guards of the Izmailovsky Regiment, later served as chief secretary of the civil department and manager of the main board of the Russian-American Company. In 1806 he took a trip to California, where he promoted the establishment of trade relations between the Russian-American Company and the Spanish colonists. On the way back to Russia, he died in Krasnoyarsk. "Juno" and "Avos" were the names of the ships on which Rezanov made his voyage.

LIBRETTO

The plot of the opera is based on the fate of the Russian count, chamberlain Nikolai Petrovich Rezanov, who set off in 1806 on the sailboats "Juno" and "Avos" to the coast of California.
Spiritual suffocation, the unbearability of existence in Russia make Rezanov look for new lands to fulfill the eternal dream of a free country for the Russian people. He, however, understands the utopian nature of his plans, understands that the difficulties on his way are insurmountable. But even the smallest chance of luck, faith in "maybe!" forces Rezanov to file one petition after another with a request to allow him to travel to California.
The refusals broke his will. In boundless anguish and despair, Rezanov prays to the Mother of God. In prayer, he confesses his most intimate and most frightening feeling - love for the Mother of God as a woman. This painful obsession completely embraces him. At the height of his ecstatic state, Rezanov hears an unearthly voice blessing him. Following this, like an echo of divine radiance, his dream comes true he receives permission to travel, moreover, an important state mission is entrusted to him from the highest.
After a hard journey across the Pacific Ocean, Rezanov comes into contact with the Spanish Franciscan monks, with the governor of San Francisco, Jose Dario Arguello. Being invited to a reception with the governor, Rezanov meets his daughter, sixteen-year-old Concepsia de Arguello. At the ball, Conchita's fiancé Federico sings a sonnet about the sad fate of two lovers, and Rezanov sees in Conchita the earthly embodiment of the supernatural passion that torments him.
At night in the garden, Rezanov hears Conchita and Federico talking about their upcoming engagement, but he himself can no longer cope with the feeling that has gripped him. Penetrating into Conchita's bedroom, he first begs her for love, and then, despite all Conchita's despair, takes possession of her... And again a sad, quiet unearthly voice is heard. At this moment, love is born in Conchita's soul, only repentance and bitterness remain in Rezanov's soul.
Happy fortune from this moment turns away from Rezanov. The business of the Russian-American Company is going badly. The scandal caused by his act forces the Russians to urgently leave San Francisco.
In his letter to Rumyantsev, Rezanov writes that his dreams of enlightening human souls in the new Russian colonies have been shattered, and he dreams of one thing: to return the ships and sailors to Russia.
Having made a secret engagement with Conchita, Rezanov embarks on a sad return journey. In Siberia, he falls ill with a fever and dies. And Conchita remains true to her love for the rest of her life. After waiting thirty years for Rezanov, she takes the veil as a nun and ends her days in the cell of the Dominican monastery in San Francisco.
The bright hymn "Hallelujah of Love" sounds the finale of the opera.