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The last of Tchaikovsky's operas, Iolanta is one of his most beautiful and moving works. This 1982 Bolshoi Opera boasts a lavish staging and a magnificent cast, led by Galina Kalinina in the title role, Artur Eisen as King René, and Lev Kuznetsov as Count Vaudémont; the Orchestra & Chorus of the Bolshoi Theatre are under the direction of Ruben Vardanian. Optional subtitles in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Romanized Russian.



Iolanta, was premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in December 1892, as part of a double-bill with his ballet The Nutcracker. Though eclipsed in fame by the ballet, Iolanta is nonetheless one of Tchaikovsky’s most beautiful and moving works. The opera tells the poignant tale of King René, who shields his daughter Iolanta from the knowledge that she is blind by keeping her secluded from the world. When the Count Vaudémont accidentally chances upon Iolanta in a rare moment alone, he falls in love with her at first sight. Discerning that she is blind, he tries to explain the delights of visual beauty. Iolanta is confused, but responds to Vaudémont’s passion. They are interrupted by the King, who is at first furious that someone has dared to tell Iolanta that she is blind. However, Ibn-Hakia, a Moorish physician, informs the King that it is indeed Iolanta’s desire to see that is essential for her cure. With the physician’s help, Iolanta gains her sight, and the King gives his blessing to her union with Vaudémont.

Works on This Recording
1.
Iolanta, Op. 69 by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performer: Nina Grigorieva (Mezzo Soprano), Lev Kuznetsov (Tenor), Galiana Kalinina (Soprano), Igor Morozov (Baritone), Artur Eisen (Bass), Vladimir Malchenko, Nina Larionova (Soprano) Conductor: Ruben Vardanian
Orchestra/Ensemble: Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Bolshoi Theatre Chorus
Period: Romantic
Written: 1891; Russia



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