Eugene Onegin

Given his genius for spontaneous melody and exhilarating dramatic flair, it is hardly surprising Tchaikovsky felt naturally drawn to the world of opera. In fact, while he was working on his most popular contribution to the genre, Eugene Onegin (1878), he became so appalled by the central character’s offhand rejection of a woman’s advances that he went as far as to marry a female pupil, despite his homosexual leanings. The marriage was a disaster: Tchaikovsky fell into a deep depression and even contemplated suicide. It was during his recovery that he completed Eugene Onegin, the story of a world-weary aristocrat with whom the radiantly innocent Tatyana falls in love. She reveals her feelings in a passionate letter—the extended scene in which she puts pen to paper possesses a symphonic intensity—yet Eugene responds with cool disdain. After flirting with his poet-friend Lensky’s fiancée (Tatyana’s sister) at their engagement party (we hear the popular “Waltz”), Eugene unwillingly fights a duel and kills Lensky. Returning from a recuperative spell abroad, Eugene realises his true feelings for Tatyana at a glamorous ball (highlighted by the famous “Polonaise”). His remorseful declaration of love in a letter initially tempts Tatyana to run away with him, but she is now married, and duty must prevail.