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 famous LETTER SCENE (Puskai pogibnu ya) which takes place in Act 1, finds Tatayana alone in her bedroom as she writes a letter, through a string of tormented drafts, expressing her love for Onegin. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Hp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Solo Sop.