Music by Peter IlyichTchaikovsky
Libretto by Konstantin Shilovsky after the verse novel by Aleksandr Pushkin
A tale of love set to a rich, passionate score.
Sung in Russian with projected English translations
University Opera Theatre
University Symphony Orchestra
Power Center
| Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 PM |
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| Friday, November 14 at 8 PM |
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| Saturday, November 15 at 8 PM |
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| Sunday, November 16 at 2 PM |
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Overview
The Story: In the Russian countryside, a shy, young woman is struck with love at first sight for a handsome, melancholic aristocrat from the city whose only enjoyment comes from toying with other people’s emotions. When Tatyana ardently declares her love, Onegin cruelly dismisses it. Later at a ball, a bored Onegin flirts with her sister — to fatal consequences. Years later, when Onegin encounters a now radiant and sophisticated Tatyana, he realizes his missed opportunity. He tries to win her back and while she admits that she still loves him, she now has the power to weigh his own declaration of love. Will he win her back, or will she dismiss his attestation of love?
Artistic Significance: Professionally premiered at the Bolshoi Opera in 1881, Tchaikovsky’s operatic version of Aleksandr Pushkin’s beloved Russian novel would become his most famous opera. In setting the intimate and passionate story, Tchaikovsky created music of astonishing lyricism and psychological insight, which elegantly retained the narrative elements of Pushkin’s verse. From the vibrant folksongs of the countryside and the elegant polonaise of a St. Petersburg ball to Tatyana’s famous letter scene and the equally renowned Lenski’s aria, the lush score is full of soaring melodies. A classic of the opera repertoire, Tchaikovsky’s poignant opera of love, despair, and remorse is one of the best examples of the Romantic movement.
Cast
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