P.I. Tchaikovsky "The Queen of Spades"

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed the opera "The Queen of Spades" based on the motifs of Alexander Pushkin's story of the same name. The composer began working on the opera on February 19, 1890, while in Florence. Tchaikovsky himself described it as a work he created with "dedication and enjoyment," and the musical composition was completed in a short period of time - just 44 days. The premiere of the opera took place on December 7, 1890, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg and was a great success.

The popularity of the opera is not only due to its interesting plot but also because it realistically portrays the customs and social norms of St. Petersburg society in the early 19th century.

The libretto of the opera was written by the composer's brother, Modest Tchaikovsky, and it includes many new elements compared to Pushkin's story. The German character created by Pushkin is portrayed as a cold, selfish individual driven solely by a desire for wealth. Tchaikovsky's German character, on the other hand, captures attention with his vivid imagination and passions. The difference in the social status of the characters raises the theme of social injustice. The demands of society, which submits to the ruthless rule of money, are depicted with high-handed arrogance.

German becomes a victim of this society, and his life loses meaning without the pursuit of wealth, even subordinating his feelings for Lisa to this pursuit. Ultimately, this leads to his death.

"The Queen of Spades" opera is one of the magnificent works of world realism in art. Tchaikovsky's distinctive style is fully and vividly expressed in this work.