Iolanta

Iolanta is a one-act opera in Russian by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto, by the composer's brother Modest Tchaikovsky, is based on the Danish play "King René's Daughter" by Henrik Hertz. The opera tells the story of Iolanta, a blind princess who is unaware of her condition until she meets Vaudémont, a knight who falls in love with her. Her father, King René, has kept her sheltered to protect her from the knowledge of her blindness.

The opera's plot unfolds as Vaudémont wanders into King René's garden and discovers Iolanta. He is captivated by her beauty and song, and she, in turn, is intrigued by him. Vaudémont gradually reveals the concept of sight to Iolanta, explaining the existence of light, color, and the physical world. This revelation is initially met with confusion and disbelief.

The climax of the opera occurs when King René learns of Vaudémont's presence and his interaction with Iolanta. He confronts them, explaining his long-held secret. In a pivotal moment, after being told to realize her sight, Iolanta begins to perceive the world visually. The opera ends with Iolanta gaining her sight and choosing to stay with Vaudémont, defying her father's initial intentions to marry her to a prince she had never met.

Tchaikovsky composed Iolanta in 1891 and 1892, and it received its premiere in St. Petersburg on December 18, 1892, performed as a double bill with Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker. The opera is known for its lyrical melodies, rich orchestration, and a generally optimistic and romantic narrative. Despite its relatively short duration, it is considered a significant work in Tchaikovsky's operatic output.