Eugene Onegin
Eugene Onegin
By
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Eugene Onegin, based on a novel by Alexander Pushkin, is a tale filled with remorse and unrequited love. It was written during a time when the composer’s marriage to a young woman, named Atonina, was failing, resulting in a period of severe depression and mental anguish. Thus, the resulting opera is filled with melancholic harmonies in a manner that only a true romantic genius like Tchaikovsky could create.
The story revolves around four central characters: The sisters Tatyana and Olga Larina who live on a provincial estate near Saint Petersburg and the poet Lensky and his bored aristocratic friend Eugene Onegin. Lensky is engaged to Olga. One day he brings his friend Eugene along to visit the Larina estate. The introverted and dreamy Tatyana is immediately smitten by the handsome, charismatic nobleman. She writes a letter to Onegin pouring out her love, only to later be rejected by him informing her he is not the marrying type, then urging her to keep her emotions under wrap lest she become victimized by men who would exploit her.
Later, Lensky persuades Onegin to attend Tatyana’s “Naming Day” Party, which tragically transforms into a fierce confrontation when Lensky sees Olga and Onegin dancing and appearing to flirt with one another. Lensky becoming enraged and challenges Onegin to a duel. The next day in a wintry country meadow, Onegin kills Lensky and departs knowing that he has taken the life of his once dear friend and companion.
Years pass. Onegin has been traveling abroad; returning to Saint Petersburg an alienated and remorseful soul. While attending a party at the palace of Prince Gremin he is struck by the beauty and aristocratic bearing of Gremin’s wife. He quickly realizes that this woman is none other than Tatyana, the country girl he spurned years ago. Onegin then professes his deep love for her begging her to run away with him. But Tatyana has changed; although she confesses she has never stopped loving him, she acknowledges that her loyalty is to her husband alone. Having said this, Tatyana quickly departs as Onegin sits alone in utter despair.
This wonderful production is well worth attending. The sets reflect stately nobility along with lovely countryside backgrounds. Scenes are punctuated with a number of intriguing wildlife figures who are often seen flitting about during extended vocal interludes. The singing is enchanting throughout, with both soloists and chorus masterfully interpreting the passion and angst the composer wished to convey.
Of particular note was Olga Kulchynska, a Ukrainian soprano singing the role of Tatyana. She has a wide vocal range which is both powerful and subtle, particularly in the higher registers. Likewise, Baritone Mattia Olivierti and tenor Ivan Ayon-Rivas as Onegin and Lensky were in fine voice, well suited to their respective roles.
The part of Olga, was sung by Lindsay Ammann, a mezzo-soprano who also sings the part of Mother Wegener in this season’s SFO’s debut of Tobias Picker’s intriguing opera Lili Elbe. She exhibited lively and lyrical tones as Tatyana’s bubbly sibling. The orchestra was conducted with spirit and panache by conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson in her SFO debut.
I can’t but help mention the veteran mezzo-soprano Susan Graham as Larina. Graham made her first appearance at the SFO in the 1989 production Of La Traviata. She still graces the opera stage and commendably remains in fine voice.
OPERA: Eugene Onegin
COMPOSER: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
PERFORMANCES: August 6, 12, 19 at 8:00 pm
TICKETS: Santa Fe Opera Box Office 505-986-5900 / 800-280-4654
REVIEWED BY: Barry D. Cooney for the New Mexico Men’s Wellness
Organization (NMMW.org)
