Eugene Onegin (also written Yevgeny Onegin) is a Russian opera in three acts by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto was adapted by K. Shilovsky and the composer, and is based very closely on the novel in verse by Aleksandr Pushkin.

It was first performed in Moscow in 1879.

Eugene Onegin is part of the standard operatic repertoire. There are a several recordings of it, and it is regularly performed.

Contents

1 Plot 2 Characters 3 History of creation 4 Music 5 External links and references

Plot

The plot of Eugene Onegin is one of a selfish hero played by a baritone who lives to regret his blasé rejection of a young womans love, and his careless incitement of a fatal duel with his best friend. The opera is based on Eugene Onegin, the novel written by Aleksandr Pushkin.

The story is set in the country-side and Saint Petersburg (Russia) in the 1820's.

Characters

• Mrs Larina, landowner (mezzo-soprano)
• Her daughters: Tatyana (soprano), Olga (contralto)
• Filippievna, nanny (mezzo-soprano)
• Yevgeny Onegin (baritone)
• Lensky (tenor)
• Prince Gremin (bass)
• Company commander (bass)
• Zaretskyi (bass)
• Trique, a frenchman (tenor)
• Gilio, valet of Onegin
• Peasants, guests.

History of creation

In May 1887, an opera singer named Lavrovskaya advised Tchaikovsky to create an opera based on the plot of Eugene Onegin by Aleksandr Pushkin. At first this idea seemed wild to the composer, according to his memoirs, however he was soon excited about the idea and created the scenario in one night before beginning to start composing the music. The libretto was written together with Konstantine Shilovshy (1849-1893).

Tchaikovshy used the original verses from Pushkin's novel in scenes that were connected with the emotional world and fortunes of heros, calling his opera "lyrical scenes." The composer finished the opera by January 1878.

Tchaikovsky was very worried with regards to whether the public would accept his opera, which lacked traditional scene changes. He believed that the perfomance of the opera required maximum simplicity and sincerety. With this in mind, the composer decided to entrust the opera to students of Moscow Conservatory. On March 17 (March 29 in the Julian calendar) 1879, it was premiered by Conservatory students at the stage of the Malyi Theatre in Moscow. The opera was soon directed with great success on stages of Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre and at Maryiinsky in Saint Petersburg in 1884. In time, the opera became part of the standard repertoire.

Music

Eugene Onegin is a well-known example of lyric opera; the libretto remains close to Pushkin's original poetry, to which Tchaikovsky adds music of a dramatic nature.

The most famous arias in the opera include:

• Lensky's reflection just before the duel
• Prince Gremin's aria about Tatyana
• Tatyana's letter aria

Act I has three scenes. The first depicts a background of action and acquaints the audience with images of the main heroes. This scene includes Tatyana and Olga's duet, later joined by the singing of Larina and Filippievna. The peasants are introduced next; finally Olga has another duet with the romantic Lensky.

The second scene revolves around a depiction of Tatyana; the audience is given the story by a nurse, sustained in a quiet narrative manner, and resisting the excited speeches of the girl. In this scene various emotions of Tatyana are shown, from passion to shyness and, finally, love.

The third scene contains Onegin's arioso "When life by domestic circle", which is framed by a transparent and light chorus of girls.

Act II consists of two scenes. The act opens with a waltz. The couplets of the Trique "What fine this day" and other household episodes contrast with a scene of quarrel; drama dialogue of the heroes sounds on a background of a mazurka. The arioso of Lensky "In your house" expresses his sad memories; Tatyana, Olga and then the excited chorus of visitors gradually join the gentle, smooth melody of Onegin.

The fifth scene begins with Lensky's aria "Where where you have left," a scene contrasting light memories with burdensome presentiments, with special attention to sincerity of expression. The duet of Lensky and Onegin "Enemies, enemies" imparts a condition of gloomy meditation. The melody of the agonal aria of Lensky is played by the orchestra, completing a tragic picture.

Act III begins with a polonaise, the aria "All ages are obedient to Love," sung by Gremin. In Onegin's final arioso, the passionate melody from a scene of Tatyana's letter resounds, reflecting the love which has been sparked in him. The seventh scene, Tatyana sings an excited and emotionally contrasting duet with Onegin, coming to an end with a prompt rise and dramatic break-up.

External links and references

• Summary of Eugene Onegin (Russian)
• Upcoming performances at major halls