Knyaz Igor (Prince Igor)

1185... The square near the cathedral in the ancient Russian town of Poutivl is packed with troops headed by Prince Igor who are preparing for their campaign against the Polovtsi. Igor's son Vladimir and his brother Vsevolod are also among those who go to fight the deadly foe. The people, who have gathered in the square, sing a song of praise to the Prince and his troops. Suddenly the light of day grows dim and the solemn scene is abruptly interrupted by a solar eclipse. Everybody takes this to be a bad omen and asks him not to set forth for battle. But Igor's decision cannot be shaken.