Eugene Onegin
Lyrical scenes in three acts
Libretto by P. Tchaikovsky and K. Shilovsky
based on the novel of the same name by A. Pushkin
CONTENTS
Act I
Scene 1
The arrival of Lensky and Onegin into the predictable and very ordinary life of the Larin's brings turmoil. Everyone greets Onegin, who had just arrived from St. Petersburg, with excitement and interest. Lensky, a poet and Olga's bride, again makes his declarations of love to her. Onegin wonders at his friend's choice. He personally would choose the elder sister. An unexpected meeting gives birth to an unknown feeling in her soul.
Scene 2
Tatiana cannot conceal her feelings and reveals them to her nanny. But how can her kind nanny help her?
And in a burst of sincere love, Tatiana dares to write a letter to Onegin. In her confession letter, the girl's soul, excited and full of purity and elevation, is expressed. Now, Tatiana's fate is in Onegin's hands.
Scene 3
A conversation takes place between Onegin and Tatiana in the garden, where the girls are picking berries accompanied by a simple song. The girl's letter touched him, but Eugene cannot respond to her feelings.
Act II
Scene 4
Tatiana's birthday is celebrated in the Larin's home. The provincial habits, old-fashioned clothes, and idle chatter — all serve to irritate Onegin. Being bored, he decides to court Olga to vex his friend Lensky, who talked him into attending the ball. His joke resulted in a break up.
Scene 5
The duel is to take place on a frosty morning. Grave feelings depress Lensky. He and Onegin have for a moment recollected the days of old friendship, realizing the senseless of what is happening. And none of them wants to take the first step to reconciliation.
Act III
Scene 6
Onegin, who has just returned from an extended travel, meets Tatiana at a high society ball in St. Petersburg. It is difficult to recognize in the noble woman from high society who was the wife of his friend Gremin the naive provincial girl. Onegin is impressed with her noble manners, independence and indifference towards him. Passionate and unbearable feelings inflame him.
Scene 7
Being unable to bear his inner sufferings, Onegin goes to the Gremin's. He found the princess alone. He wanted to make his declaration of love to her. Both realize what happiness would wait them. But it is impossible to return to the past. The choice is made and nothing can be changed.
Tatiana decisively ends the happy dreams leaving Onegin all alone.