"Magnificently conceived, staged and sung"
I dare to say that this production was the MET last year major achievement. Even though a stupendous singers set was gathered for this performance it did not necessarily guarantee it's amazing success. This dreamed cast is formed by three of the most talented singers of our time: Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Renée Flemming and Ramón Vargas.

The staging is minimalist however absolutely accurate and tasty. By adding different intelligent elements the drama flows both naturally and flawlessly, in other words impeccable. The Russian Maestro Valery Gergiev conducted the MET orchestra with full commitment and passion.
The Siberian baritone Dmitri Hvorsotovsky is enormous as Onegin completely understanding the character and making it his own. Needless to say he is at his best here, both vocally and dramatically; I don't see anyone at this moment to be a match for him in this roll.
Renée Flemming is tremendous as Tatiana, she is simply perfect. Her acquaintance with Hvorostovsky is impressing.
Ramón Vargas as Lensky is memorable, precise and passionate confirming his position as one of the more reliable tenors of his generation. His "Kuda, kuda" was performed effortlessly with real suffering and pain.
Elena Zaremba portrays a charming Olga with no less intelligence and knowledge of her role.
The secondary roles are covered more than efficiently.

Needless to say, that this is truly a "must have" for every opera fan and especially for Mexican Opera Fans, not only for the price, but for the achievement.

The best DVD version of Eugene Onegin
Robert Carsen's production is lovely with a successful blend of conservative and new ideas. I know this opera for years, and have quite a few recordings of it. But never before did its closing scene move me, as in this performance. This is mostly because of the singing and acting intensity of Hvorostovsky and Fleming.

Highly recommended.

Exquisite Performance
Listening and watching this performance is a superb experience.
Renee Flemming, as always, shines--is beautiful and uses her magnificent voice to perfection. The opera, with so believable a story, is sure to please everyone.

Eugene Onegin at Metropolitan Opera House Feb.2007
Tchaikovsky's dramatic score depicting Pushkin's tale of unrequited love is movingly portrayed by Dmitri Hvorostovsky as Onegin and Renée Fleming as Tatiana. With his rich, long-phrased baritone and artful characterisation Hvorostovsky brings to life a very credible Onegin, adapting from his cool response to Tatiana's letter to the empassioned profession of love in Act 3. Fleming's Tatiana dovetails this as a convincing ingénue in Act 1 leading to the honour-bound wife of Act 3. Her warm lyrical soprano producing a moving 'letter scene'. The production cleverly presents the action as taking place in Onegin's memory, starting with him alone on stage, during the orchestral introduction, holding Tatiana's letter, All around him are autumn leaves, some falling from between the pages of the letter, suggesting a mood of love lost.

Stellar Tchaikovsky Performance
I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Hvorostovsky in this lead role with the Lyric Opera of Chicago this season. However, nothing would have topped the experience of seeing this live production of Eugene Onegin by the Metropolitan Opera. This production had a solid lead cast along with one of the best Tchaikovsky conductors out there. Hvorostovsky and Fleming have great chemistry on stage. The last tweleve minutes of the opera alone are worth the purchase of this dual disc. You really get wrapped up in the experience. Vargas brings tears to your eyes with his rendition of Lenski's Aria. If you're a fan of Tchaikovsky, beautiful music and a great story line, you'll love this opera. The bonus footage is a huge plus as well. I loved the orchestra rehearsal footage with Maestro Gergiev and the late great Beverly Sills interview backstage with Hvorostovsky and Fleming. This would be a great addition to any opera fans collection. Enjoy!