The score autograph of the introduction and the first act of the opera “Eugene Onegin” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was created in three different places: Kamenka, Clarens (Switzerland) and Sanremo (Italy). The libretto based on the novel in verse by Alexander Pushkin was written by the composer in collaboration with the artist of the Maly Theater Konstantin Shilovsky.
By 1878, Tchaikovsky had not yet had a single truly successful opera production. However, the composer did not give up hope of finding a perfect plot. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky said,
Opera “Eugene Onegin”. Autograph
Creation period
1877–1878
Place of сreation
the Russian Empire — Switzerland — Italy
Dimensions
34x24,5 cm
131 sheets
131 sheets
Technique
paper, cardboard (binding covers), black ink, pencil, red pencil, blue pencil
Collection
Exhibition
0
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#4
I need an intimate, modest drama… And definitely Russian. And no effects! Without processions and marches, without battles and shipwrecks, without pharaohs and cardinals! I need a plot in which one dramatic motive would prevail, for example: love… I am looking for an intimate, but strong drama based on the conflict of positions I have experienced and seen, which can cut to the heart!
#5
“Eugene Onegin” was premiered in March 1879 on the stage of the Moscow Imperial Maly Theater.
An outstanding actor and director of the Maly Theater, Ivan Vasilyevich Samarin was chosen stage director. Considering it a “ridiculous idea” at first, Samarin then took an important part in the production. Tchaikovsky himself insisted on his involvement. He knew about the high quality of student performances at the conservatory, which were directed by Samarin. Tchaikovsky considered him an equal co-creator, #6
With the reasonable staging, the excellent ensemble that Rubinstein and Samarin achieve at the conservatory performances, I will still be more satisfied if the performance of my opera takes place in the conservatory, rather than on a big stage.
#7
Judging by the memoirs of the participants of that first production, the director significantly contributed to its success. Their friendly collaboration with Rubinstein was not hindered by the fact that everyone pursued their own goals,
#8
Nikolay Grigoryevich always very strictly demanded musical accuracy in the performance, and Ivan Vasilyevich did not recognize opera conventions at all and sought mainly to perform, as if a drama.
#9
Former students, describing the rehearsals, recalled how Ivan Samarin offered performers of Onegin and Lensky to sing a duet in the duel scene, turning away from each other, which Tchaikovsky liked very much, but this idea was rejected by Rubinstein for some reasons connected with the music.
During the composer’s lifetime, the opera became one of his most popular works, both in Russia and abroad.#10
Opera “Eugene Onegin”. Autograph
#3
Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation
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Opera “Eugene Onegin”. Autograph
Creation period
1877–1878
Place of сreation
the Russian Empire — Switzerland — Italy
Dimensions
34x24,5 cm
131 sheets
131 sheets
Technique
paper, cardboard (binding covers), black ink, pencil, red pencil, blue pencil
Collection
Exhibition
0
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