The Queen of Spades (opera) - Performance History

Performance History

Herman, the lead character, sings in all seven scenes. This requires great skill and endurance of the performer. The part was written with the notable Russian tenor Nikolay Figner in mind, and he performed the role at the premiere. His wife Medea Mei-Figner created the role of Liza.

The composer himself took part in the preparation of the Saint Petersburg premiere. Critics gave rave reviews. Tchaikovsky later wrote, "Figner and the Saint Petersburg orchestra... have made true miracles."

The premiere's success was tremendous. The opera was just as successful at the Kiev premiere twelve days later. The Bolshoi Theatre premiere took place the following year. Tchaikovsky was extremely pleased with his effort.

St. Petersburg Premiere (World Premiere)

• Date: 19 December, (O.S. 7 December), 1890
• Place: Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg
• Conductor: Eduard Nápravník
• Scene Designers: Vasilyev, Yanov, Levot, Ivanov, Andreyev
• Balletmaster: Marius Petipa

Kiev Premiere

• Date: 31 December (O.S. 19 December), 1890
• Place:
• Conductor: Iosif Pribik

Moscow Premiere

• Date: 4 November 1891
• Place: Bolshoi Theatre
• Conductor: Ippolit Al'tani
• Scene Designers: Karl Valts (Waltz), Lebedev
• Balletmasters: Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov

Other Notable Performances

• 11 October 1892, Prague, first performance outside Russia (in Czech, trans. V. J. Novotný)
• 1902, first performance in Vienna, Vienna State Opera, conducted by Gustav Mahler
• 1904, Moscow, Bolshoi Theatre, conducted by Sergei Rachmaninoff
• 5 March 1910, Metropolitan Opera, New York City, first performance in the USA (in German), conducted by Gustav Mahler
• 29 May 1915, London, first performance in England (in Russian); starring Vladimir Rosing.