Eugene Onegin   NR

Opera  |  2 Hours 26 Mintues

Release: Nov 15, 2009

Time & Place: 1820s, Russia
Act 1 Scene 1: The garden of the Larin country estate Madame Larina and the nurse are sitting outside. Her daughters, Tatyana and Olga, can be heard from inside the house. Tatyana is reading a romantic novel, but her mother tells her that real life is different. Olga's fiancé Lensky arrives with his friend Eugene Onegin. Lensky introduces Onegin, who is surprised that Lensky has chosen Olga rather than her romantic elder sister. Tatyana is immediately attracted to Onegin.
Scene 2: Tatyana's room Tatyana confesses to her nurse that she is in love. Left alone, she writes a letter to Onegin, driven by the realization that she is totally drawn to him. When the old woman returns, Tatyana asks her to send the letter to Onegin.
Scene 3: Another part of the estate Onegin arrives to see Tatyana. He explains, not unkindly, that he is not a man who loves easily and is unsuited to marriage. Tatyana is crushed and unable to reply.
Act 2 Scene 1: The ballroom of the Larin house During a party for Tatyana, Onegin is angered by the country people who gossip about him, and annoyed at Lensky for making him come. He decides to revenge himself by flirting with Olga. Lensky becomes extremely jealous. A French neighbor called Monsieur Triquet sings in honor of Tatyana, after which the quarrel becomes more intense. Lensky renounces his friendship with Onegin, and challenges him to a duel.
Scene 2: On the banks of a wooded stream, early morning Lensky is waiting for Onegin, and sings of his uncertain fate and his love for Olga. Onegin arrives. They are both reluctant to go ahead with the duel but lack the power to stop it. Onegin shoots Lensky and he dies.
Act 3 Scene 1: At a ball in the house of a rich nobleman in St Petersburg Years later Onegin reflects on the emptiness of his life. Prince Gremin enters with his wife, Tatyana, who is now transformed into an aristocratic beauty. Gremin sings of his great happiness with Tatyana, and introduces Onegin to her. Onegin is deeply impressed by Tatyana, and desperately longs to regain her love.
Scene 2: Reception room in Prince Gremin's house Tatyana has received a letter from Onegin. He enters, begging for her love and pity. Tatyana questions his love, but Onegin insists that his passion is real and absolute. Tatyana admits that she still loves him, but will remain faithful to her husband. Onegin implores her, but she finally leaves him alone in his despair.

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