THE ENCHANTRESS - Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY

This is an opera in four acts by Pyotr Tchaikovsky based on the libretto by Ippolit Shpazhinsky, using his drama with the same title. The opera was composed between September 1885 and May 1887 in Maidanovo, Russia and received its first performed in St Petersburg in 1887. Time: The last quarter of the 15th century Place: Nizhny Novgorod and its vicinity The action takes place at the last quarter of the 15th century at the tavern and brothel near Nizhny Novgorod. Nastasia (Kuma), the charming owner of the inn, has made herself an enemy in rejecting the devious Mamyrov, the right-hand man of the local governor Nikita Danilovich Kurliatev. He spreads the gossip that Nastasia is an enchantress, and every man whom she meets falls for her. Yuri, Nikita’s son, begins to frequent the inn, as does his father, who falls madly in love with Nastasia (without any success), who threatens her that he will reach his goal by whatever means. Mamyrov confronts Nikita’s wife, Evpraksia, with th