Khorev, staged in 1749, stands as the first regular Russian drama, marking the beginning of Alexander Sumarokov’s role as the architect of classical theatre in the Russian Empire. By choosing to dedicate his life to letters, he became the first gentleman in his country to establish writing as a legitimate, full-time profession for the Russian gentry.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1717 in Lappeenranta, Finland, Sumarokov was the son of a soldier serving during the Great Northern War. He attended the First Cadet Corps between 1732 and 1740, an institution in Saint Petersburg where he gained deep exposure to French culture and literature. This environment distanced him from the path of a traditional aristocratic dilettante, setting the stage for his emergence as a professional man of letters.
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Sumarokov’s career defined the classical movement in Russia through a massive volume of output. In 1755, he provided the libretto for Tsefal i Prokris, composed by Francesco Araja, which was the first opera ever performed in the Russian language. He followed this in 1758 with the libretto for Altsesta, set to music by Hermann Raupach. Beyond his stage works, which included adaptations of Shakespearean plots like Hamlet and Makbet, he introduced the fable to Russian literature and wrote satirical poetry targeting government bureaucrats and legal officers.
Journalism and Professional Legacy
As one of Russia's earliest literary journalists, Sumarokov edited the monthly journal Yezhemesyachnye sochineniya from 1759 to 1764. He maintained a correspondence with Voltaire, viewing himself as a Russian equivalent to Racine and Voltaire. His efforts to establish professional standards in literature were bolstered by his military service as a poruchik, colonel, and brigadier. He was eventually honored with the Order of Saint Anna and the Order of Saint Anna, 1st class. He died in 1777 in Moscow and is buried at the Donskoe cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1717, Lappeenranta
- Died: 1777, Moscow
- Movement: Classicism
- Education: First Cadet Corps (1732-1740)
- Notable Works: Khorev (1749), Tsefal i Prokris (1755)
- Military Ranks: Poruchik, colonel, brigadier
- Awards: Order of Saint Anna, 1st class
- Burial site: Donskoe cemetery
Questions readers ask
What role did Sumarokov play in Russian theatre?
He established the first permanent public theatre in the Russian capital and authored the first regular Russian drama, Khorev.
Was Sumarokov only a playwright?
No, he was a multi-disciplinary writer who worked as a poet, satirist, literary critic, librettist, and journalist.
Achievements
- Order of Saint Anna, 1st class
- Order of Saint Anna
- Genres: poetry and drama
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