Eugene Onegin (opera) facts for kids
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Eugene Onegin (which is Евгений Онегин in Russian) is a famous opera created by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Many people think it's his best opera and one of the greatest Russian operas ever. Tchaikovsky finished writing the music in 1878. The opera was first performed in Moscow in 1879.
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What is Eugene Onegin?
The story for Eugene Onegin comes from a book by Alexander Pushkin. He was a very famous Russian writer. Tchaikovsky turned several of Pushkin's stories into operas. For Eugene Onegin, he carefully chose parts of Pushkin's book. This means the story sometimes jumps forward in time. Many Russian operas are like this. They show a series of important scenes, and the audience imagines what happens in between.
Who Are the Main Characters?
Here are the main characters in the opera and the type of singing voice they have:
- Eugene Onegin - baritone (a male voice, lower than a tenor)
- Tatyana - soprano (a high female voice)
- Olga - contralto (a low female voice)
- Lenski - tenor (a high male voice)
- Gremin - bass (a very low male voice)
The Story of the Opera
Act 1: A New Love?
Tatyana is a young girl from a wealthy family. She is with her younger sister, Olga. Tatyana loves reading novels. Her mother, Madame Larina, tells her that real life is quite different from books.
Soon, visitors arrive. These are Olga’s fiancé, Lensky, who is a young poet. His friend, Eugene Onegin, is also with him. Onegin is a bit lazy and enjoys going to parties. Tatyana feels attracted to him right away.
Later, in her room, Tatyana tells her nurse that she is in love. When she is alone, she writes a letter to Onegin. In the letter, she tells him how much she loves him. She then asks her nurse to make sure Onegin gets the letter.
Onegin returns to give Tatyana his answer. He politely tells her that he is not suited for marriage. Tatyana is very sad and upset by his words.
Act 2: A Challenge!
It is Tatyana's name-day party. Onegin is annoyed because people are gossiping about him and Tatyana. He is also cross with Lensky for making him come to the party. To get back at Lensky, Onegin decides to dance with Olga, Lensky's fiancée. Olga enjoys this attention. Lensky becomes very jealous.
A singer entertains the party guests with a song for Tatyana. Lensky is now furious. He loudly tells everyone that he is no longer Onegin’s friend. He then challenges Onegin to a duel, a fight to protect his honour. Onegin has to accept the challenge.
In the next scene, Lensky waits for Onegin. He sings a famous song about his fate and his love for Olga. Onegin arrives, and the duel begins. Onegin shoots Lensky, killing him.
Act 3: Years Later
Several years pass. A rich nobleman in St. Petersburg is hosting a grand ball. Onegin thinks about his empty life. He still feels terrible about Lensky’s death.
Prince Gremin enters with his wife, Tatyana. She is now older, still beautiful, and very wealthy. Gremin sings about how happy he is with Tatyana. He introduces Onegin to her. Gremin does not know that Tatyana used to love Onegin. Onegin now desperately wants Tatyana to love him again.
In a reception room, Tatyana has received a letter from Onegin. Onegin enters and begs her to love him. Tatyana wonders why he is now in love with her. She tells him she still loves him, but she wants to be faithful to her husband. Onegin keeps begging her, but Tatyana eventually leaves him. Onegin is left feeling very sad and without hope.
The Music of Eugene Onegin
Eugene Onegin is often called a “lyrical” opera. This means the melodies are very beautiful and romantic. Two of the most famous songs in the opera are:
- The song Tatyana sings when she writes her letter to Onegin.
- Lensky’s song, which he sings just before the duel.
Tatyana is sung by a soprano. Lensky is a tenor, and Eugene Onegin is a baritone.
Images for kids
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Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837)
See also
In Spanish: Eugenio Oneguin (ópera) para niños
