TCHAIKOVSKY FOR SATURDAY

“Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire.” – Virgil

It was a beautiful Spring day today after a foggy morning. We made the most of it by doing our chores and then spending some time in the garden and then a nice walk to the shops. It seemed that everyone had the same idea and the cafés were full, while layers of winter clothing had been taken off. It was nice to feel the sun warming our back and hear the laughter and chatter around us. We had some lunch in one of the shops we like in the neighbourhood and then walked back home. Having had our fill of sun and stimulated some Vitamin D production, we went back home and watched a movie. Then out to dinner tonight. Quite a busy day Saturday, but busy-good!

Here is something spring-like and gorgeously melodic from the pen of the master of melody, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). It is the waltz from his opera Eugene Onegin. This is a well-known example of lyric opera; the libretto very closely follows Alexander Pushkin’s original poem, retaining much of his poetry, to which Tchaikovsky adds music of a dramatic nature. The story concerns a selfish hero (after whom the opera is named) who lives to regret his blasé rejection of Tatiana, a young woman who loves him and his careless incitement of a fatal duel with his best friend.  The opera was first performed in Moscow in 1879.

To open Act II, whose setting is a gala birthday party for the young Tatiana, Tchaikovsky created one of his most splendid waltzes full of melody and his usual wonderful orchestration. It is a wonderful evocation of youthful optimism and the springtime of emotions.