The Oprichnik or The Guardsman (Russian: Опричник, Oprichnik) is an opera in 4 acts, 5 scenes, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) to his own libretto after the tragedy The Oprichniks (Russian: Опричники) by Ivan Lazhechnikov (1792–1869). The subject of the opera is the oprichniks. It is set in Ivan the Terrible's court during the oprichnina times (1565–1573).
| Librettist | Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Based on the tragedy "The Oprichniks" by Ivan Lazhechnikov) |
| Date of composition | 1872 (1870-1872) |
| Premiered | 1874, April 24th (Maryinsky Theatre) in Saint Petersburg, Russia |
| First published | 1874 in Saint Petersburg, Russia |
| Dedicated to | Dedicated to Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich of Russia |
| Type | Opera |
| Approx. duration | 98 minutes |
| Spoken language | Russian |
| Instruments |
Orchestra
Voice (Bass) - Prince Zhemchuzhnïy Voice (Soprano) - Natalya, Prince Zhemchuzhnïy's daughter Voice (Bass) - Molchan Mitkov, the bridegroom of Natalya Voice (Mezzo-Soprano) - Boyarïnya Morozova, the widow Voice (Tenor) - Andrey Morozov, Boyarïnya Morozova's son Voice (Contralto) - Basmanov, a young oprichnik Voice (Baritone) - Prince Vyazminsky Voice (Soprano) - Zakharyevna Chorus/Choir - Mixed Chorus ; People |
| Autotranslations beta |
Piotr Ilitch Tchaïkovski: The Oprichnik Pëtr Il'ič Čajkovskij: The Oprichnik Pjotr Iljitsch Tschaikowski: The Oprichnik |