Eugene Onegin
“Lyric Scenes” in Three Acts
Music by Peter Illych Tchaikovsky

Synopsis

Act I Scene 1
A garden on the Larin estate
Russia, 1820’s

As her daughters, Tatyana and Olga sing of unrequited love, Mme. Larina—a country widow—prepares preserves with the help of her old nurse, Filipyevna, and is reminded of past loves and happiness replaced by habit and duty.  A group of peasants on their way home from the harvest pass by with sheaves for their mistress and entertain the women with a dance.  Their songs make tatyana lose herself in distant dreams, while Olga only wants to dance and play.  As the peasants leave, the others notice that Tatyana is greatly moved by the novel she is reading.  Larina’s consoling words to her daughter are interrupted by the entrance of Olga’s fiancé, Vladimir Lensky, and his friend, Eugene Onegin. Larina conveniently leaves the young couple alone. Tatyana recognizes in Onegin the personification of her romantic ideals; Olga comments that local gossips will certainly link Onegin and Tatyana romantically; and Onegin remarks to Lensky that he finds Tatyana’s temperateness much more interesting that Olga’s surface gaiety.  As Onegin engages Tatyana in conversation, Lensky renews his vows of love to Olga. Left behind when the others enter the house, the old nurse notes Tatyana’s agitation. 

Act I Scene 2
Tatyana’s room 

The old nurse tries to comfort the distracted Tatyana with tales of her own arranged marriage. Tatyana finally admits to Filipyevna that she has fallen in love and begs to be left alone to write a letter.  As she writes, Tatyana confesses that her love for Onegin has been her only thought for days and begs Onegin not to reject her.  Dawn is breaking when she puts down her pen.  Filipyevna enters to wake her for church and is surprised to find Tatyana still awake.  Tatyana begs the old nurse to take the letter to her grandson to deliver to Onegin. At first, Filipyevna does not fully understand, but soon leaves Tatyana alone with her troubled thoughts.

Act I Scene 3
Another part of the garden of the Larin estate

As young girls pick berries in the distance, Tatyana waits in anticipation of Onegin’s imminent visit.  She regrets having written her letter, but her thoughts are interrupted by Onegin’s arrival.  He admits having been touches by her confession, but tells her that love and marriage are thoughts he has set aside. As he gives her his arm to lead her back to the house, he urges her to practice more self control. 

Act II Scene 1
The ballroom in the Larin estate

A ball is in progress celebrating Tatyana’s nameday. AS Onegin and Tatyana dance, he overhears the gossips speculating on his reputation and his intentions towards Tatyana.  Annoyed by their chatter, he resolves to dance with Olga to tease Lensky for bringing him to the ball.  As the waltz ends, Lensky confronts Olga with her faithleslsness, but their argument is interrupted by the entrance of M. Triquet, a Frenshman from the village who sings a couplet in Tatyana’s honor. The dancing resumes with Onegin as Olga’s partner.  Jealous of Olga’s continued attentions, Lensky accuses Onegin of first breaking Tatyana’s heart and then compromising Olga.  Before Onegin can calm his friend down, Lensky challenges him to a duel.  He mourns the end of his dreams of love, while Onegin realizes he has gone too far.  They fight, the guests separate them, and as they both rush out, Olga falls in a faint. 

Act II Scene 2
A snow-covered clearing by a stream 

Lensky and his second, Zaretsky, wait for Onegin.  Lensky meditates on his past happiness with Olga and wonders if she will mourn him if it is indeed he who is killed. Onegin enters with his valet, Guillot, who has come to act as his second, and Zaretsky cutions them that duels are an art and must follow the code of honor. For a moment they hesitate. Lensky and Onegin both regret their actions, but realize that there is no turning back.  The men draw and Lensky is shot dead by Onegin. 

ACT III Scene 1
A fashionable ballroom in St. Petersburg—several years later

As the guests finish a polonaise, Onegin contemplates his past actions and present ennui.  He joins the guests in another dance, but his attention is drawn to the entrance of the Prince Gremin and his new wife, the former Tatyana Larina.  Tatyana also recognizes Onegin and tries to lose herself among the guests as Gremin proudly extols Tatyana’s quiet gifts and his deep love for her.  Tatyana barely manages to control her emotions as she is presented to Onegin.  She begs to be taken home, but as she leaves, Onegin can no longer suppress his true feelings and resolves to confess his love to her. 

Act III Scene 2
A reception room in Prince Gremin’s house 

Tatyana enters, with a letter from Onegin, dreading their fateful meeting.  Onegin arrives and it is now Tatyana who asks him to practice self control.  Perhaps, she suggests, it is her new position which now attracts Onegin.  But she finds herself weeping when Onegin begs her forgiveness for his past coldness.  She breaks down and confesses that she loves Onegin still, but she will remain true to her duty.  He entreats her to come away with him, but before her resolve fails, Tatyana hastens from the room, leaving behind the despairing Onegin.   

October 22, 23. 29, 30, 8:00 p.m.
Musical Arts Center, School of Music, Indiana University

Enjoy the pre-concert informance one hour before each performance
Stage Director Yefim Maizel will present his thoughts on October 22, and 23
Musical Arts Center Lobby

Curtain time for IU Opera Theater is promptly at 8 p.m., by which time all opera goers should be in their seats.
Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management. Thank you for your cooperation.

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