EUGENE ONEGIN

Eugene Onegin is an opera composed by Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky consisting of 3 acts and 7 scenes. The Opera provokes an emotional outburst and at the same time teaches a moral lesson to the audience.Eugene Onegin is regarded as a masterpiece by many play writers and has been recorded and performed over the years.

HISTORY 

Eugene Onegin was first performed in Moscow, in 1879. The play is about a selfish hero full of regrets who loses his one chance of love and is responsible for the death of his friend. 

Act 1

Scene 1: Larin estate at the garden.

Madame Larina and Filippyevna who is a nurse are seated in the garden. Larina's daughters Tatyana and Olga are loudly singing a love song. Their singing is heard as far as the garden which causes Larina to remember her marriage and courtship days. A group of peasants begin to sing and celebrate the harvest as Tatyana and Olga watch. Tatyana who has been reading a romantic novel gets carried away by the story while her sister yearns to join the celebration. Minutes later, Olga's fiancée Lensky arrives accompanied by his friends Onegin and a young poet. During the introduction Tatyana is instantly attracted to Onegin and Filippyevna notices.

Scene 2: Tatyana's room.

Its' bed time but Tatyana is restless and sleepless. She requests Filippyevna to narrate to her about her marriage and youthful days. She later confesses of her star struck emotions and decides to write a letter to Onegin. She tells him of her love for him and asks for his help and understanding. The letter is delivered to Onegin by Filippyevna's grandson.

Scene 3: Another part of the estate.

As Tatyana awaits Onegin's arrival, the servant girls can be heard singing while working. Onegin arrives and ruthlessly rejects Tatyana. Tatyana is left speechless and heartbroken

Act 2

Scene 1: The ballroom of Larin house.

It's Tatyana's ball and she shares a dance with Onegin. He is angered by Lensky for convincing him to attend the ball and revenges by flirting with Olga. Lensky confronts Onegin and challenges him to a duel which Onegin accepts. Confusion arises and Tatyana collapses.

Scene 2: At sunrise in the bank of a stream.

The duel takes place and Lensky is shot dead by Onegin.

Act 3

Scene 1: St Petersburg in a rich man's house.

All alone at a ball, Onegin reflects on his self created misfortunes and regrets all his past actions. To his surprise Tatyana enters the ball with her husband Prince Gremin. He realizes of his love for her and decides to make a meeting with her.

Scene 2: Prince Gremin's house.

Tatyana confesses her love for Onegin but rejects him due to her marital status and leaves him heartbroken. This leaves him lonely and in despair.

MAIN ROLES

Eugene Onegin, Lensky's friend, baritone.
Larina, lady of the manor, mezzo-soprano

Tatyana, Larina's daughter, soprano

Olga, Tatyana's sister and Larina's daughter, contralto

Filippyevna, a nanny, mezzo-soprano

Lensky, Olga's fiancée, tenor