Book description
The great Russian poet Pushkin's novel in verse tells the story of
Tatyana, a love-struck country girl who unwisely wrote to the arrogant
city-slicker Yevgeny Onegin professing her love. The tale resonated
with Tchaikovsky when he found himself callously dismissing the suit
of a student who similarly approached him out of the blue: within
weeks, Tchaikovsky then married her! It was a disastrous decision;
except that it inspired him to write his great opera. Onegin's future
was different. Having shot his best friend, he returns to find that
the naïve girl he rejected is now a great lady, married to a
distinguished general. He is passionately in love, but it is too late.
The opera includes Tatyana's emotional letter scene, as well the
reckless and tragic duel, and the country house dance and the great
ball in St Petersburg give Tchaikovsky the opportunity to provide us
with some truly memorable dances such as the waltz, mazurka, and
polonaise. Written by Michael Steen, author of the acclaimed The Lives
and Times of the Great Composers, Short Guides to Great Operas' are
concise, entertaining and easy to read books about opera. Each is an
opera guide packed with useful information and informed opinion,
helping to make you a truly knowledgeable opera-goer, and so
maximising your enjoyment of a great musical experience.
