Nikola Šubić Zrinjski

The Man (1509-1566)

A Croatian hero famous for his defence of the Hungarian city of Szigetvar in 1566 against the Ottoman army of Sultan Suleyman I. Zrinjski had already, by that time, distinguished himself in the defence of Vienna in 1529, taken part in the Austrian-led campaign against John Zapolya (John I) and his claim to the Hungarian throne, and had been appointed Ban (Viceroy) of Croatia in 1542. Although the Battle of Szigetvar was ultimately lost and Zrinjski himself finally rode to his death with the remnants of his Austrian-Croatian-Hungarian army, the siege had cost the Turks approximately 18,000 cavalrymen and 7,000 janissaries. This, of course, did a lot to slow the invading Ottomans, who would fail to conquer Austria and Croatia, and would end up withdrawing from Hungary as well.

The Opera (1876)

Of all the works written by prolific Croatian composer Ivan Zajc, Nikola Šubić Zrinjski would be the one to rise above the rest and steal the hearts of the Croatian people.

The opera premiered in Zagreb on November 4, 1876, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The 19th century was a time of national renaissance for Croatia following 800 years of voluntary royal union with Hungary and Austria. Although the Croats enjoyed a great deal of autonomy and managed to retain their national parliament (the Sabor) after their own royal dynasty died out in the 12th century, the cultural pressures of being the third kingdom in the empire would spark not only a renewed national consciousness, but also a great deal of new art, music, and literature. This is why Nikola Šubić Zrinjski and the Battle of Szigetvar was chosen as the subject of Zajc's opera and why it has a patriotic flavour.

Nikola Šubić Zrinjski is, of course, a tragedy and is organized into three acts containing eight scenes altogether. The music is both melodious and stirring, incorporating elements of Austrian operetta and early Verdi since Zajc was not only a student of Verdi in Milan, but was also a highly successful composer in Vienna before his return to Zagreb. What makes the music unique is his blending of refined traditional Croatian folk melodies in appropriate places, which in effect colours the opera with native musical expression. The poetic libretto was written by Hugo Badalić, based on the drama Zrinyi (Zrinjski in Hungarian) by German writer Theodor Körner.

Synopsis

ACT I

Scene One: In his camp in Belgrade, Suleyman I, already in poor health, decides to advance to Vienna. His physician, Levi, warns him that war could prove fatal to his health, but Grand Vizier Mehmed Sokolović praises his plans. Suleyman announces to his troops that he wants to conquer Szigetvar and vanquish Nikola Zrinjski, even though his captains think it would be wiser to bypass it due to its strong defence.

Scene Two: The citizens of Szigetvar sense an impending invasion. Jelena, Zrinjski's daughter, tells her mother Eva how she fears the Ottomans. Upon confirmation of Suleyman's plans, Zrinjski decides to make a stand. Jelena and Juranić wish to be married, but Zrinjski postpones the marriage until after the war.

Scene Three: Zrinjski's troops greet Alapić and Juranić on the fortress wall and are joined by Zrinjski together with Eva and Jelena. The women decide to stay in Szigetvar and the troops take an oath to defend it to the last man.

ACT II

Scene Four: At the Turkish camp, the Sultan and the Grand Vizier attend a ceremonious dance. The Sultan is impatient because of Zrinjski's resistance and sends Grand Vizier Sokolović to negotiate.

Scene Five: Back in Szigetvar, Zrinjski is worried about the Ottomans' continuing advance. He decides to bring down the walls of the new town and withdraw to the old fortress with his troops. Sokolović arrives with the Sultan's message: he offers to make Zrinjski the Croatian king if he hands over the town. Zrinjski proudly rejects the offer, only to find out that his son Djuro has been taken prisoner. Together with his family and troops, Zrinjski repeats his oath of defence. Sokolović leaves in frustration.

ACT III

Scene Six: At the Turkish camp, the Sultan passes away. Sokolović assumes power and hides Suleyman's death from his troops.

Scene Seven: Eva and Jelena have taken shelter in the basement of the old fortress. Jelena dreams of her future marriage to Juranić, who eventually wakes her up to tell her that they are preparing for the decisive battle. Jelena believes things will go badly and asks Juranić to kill her so that she does not fall into enemy hands. After an emotional struggle, they wish each other farewell, and Juranić stabs her with his dagger.

Scene Eight: On the fortress wall, Zrinjski bids his wife Eva farewell. The troops and the people gather, jointly crying a call to arms with swords raised. All go to their deaths.

FIN

The Compact Discs (1992)

I can personally vouch for the fact that the double CD set Nikola Šubić Zrinjski released by Croatia Records is absolutely superb. The performance was recorded in 1962, conducted by Milan Sachs, and performed in the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb by some of Croatia's greatest opera singers of all time. The recording itself is also crystal clear even though I'm not sure whether it was remastered or not before its release in 1992. It may be a bit difficult to find outside Croatia and those countries with large Croatian communities, but I believe it can be ordered online.