EUGENE ONEGIN, based on a verse-novel by Alexander Pushkin, is Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky’s (1840-1893) best-known opera. The story depicts the life of the titular Onegin, a Russian dandy who does not understand himself, his emotions, or the value of life, leading him to reject an impassioned declaration of love by a woman he looks down upon and instead pursue the fianc�e of his friend, who he kills in a duel as a result of this pursuit. The provincial WALTZ, brought here to a higher level of sophistication by Tchaikovsky, is performed at the ball honoring Tatyana’s name day at the beginning of Act II. This orchestral work has found a popular home on the concert stage and outside the full opera. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).