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The Queen of Spadesopera in three acts Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky Libretto: Modest Tchaikovsky after the novel by Alexander Pushkin Stage Director: Stanislav Gaudasinsky Set Design: Semyon Pastukh Costume Design: Galina Solovyova Choreography: Nikita Dolgushin Premiere of the production: May 23, 1982 Running time: 3 hours 30 minutes Performance has two intervals Performed in Russian One of the most popular operas by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, The Queen of Spades, was composed in a very short period of time and became a unique masterpiece reflecting its author’s preoccupation. Tchaikovsky accepted the commission to write an opera based on the short story by Alexander Pushkin in 1889. Herman, a poor officer, is desperately in love with Lisa, a heiress to the rich old Countess. One day he learns that the Countess knows the secret of the three winning cards. Herman becomes obsessed with obtaining the secret. He tries to find out the secret, however, the old lady dies of fright. The loss of hope drives Herman mad. Soon the ghost of the Countess appears and names the secret three cards: Three, Seven, Ace. The madman rushes to the casino. Passion overcomes reason: “What’s our life? A game!” The only gain of the miserable lover is death. The production of The Queen of Spades at the Mikhailovsky Theatre is one of the best ones in St Petersburg.
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1833–2012 Mikhailovsky Theatre St. Petersburg
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Idea Fix