The Queen of Spades or Pique Dame, Op. 68 (, Pikovaya dama , ) is an opera in three acts (seven scenes) by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to a Russian libretto by the composer's brother Modest Tchaikovsky, based on the 1834 novella of the same name by Alexander Pushkin, but with a dramatically altered plot. The premiere took place in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Composition history The Imperial Theatre offered Tchaikovsky a commission to write an opera based on the plot sketch by Ivan Vsevolozhsky in 1887/88. After first turning it down, Tchaikovsky accepted it in 1889. Toward the end of that year, he met with the theatre's managers to discuss the material and sketch out some of the scenes. He completed the full score in Florence in only 44 days. Later, working with the tenor who was to perform the lead character, he created two versions of Herman's aria in the seventh scene, using different keys. The changes can be found in the proof sheets and inserts for the first and second editions of the printed version of the score. While composing the music, Tchaikovsky edited the libretto significantly, changing some of the text and adding his own lyrics to two arias. Performance history Herman, the lead character, sings in all seven scenes. This requires great skill and endurance by the performer. The part was written with the notable Russian tenor Nikolay Figner in mind, and he performed it at the premiere. His wife Medea Mei-Figner played the role of Liza. The composer himself took part in the preparation of the Saint Petersburg premiere. Critics gave rave reviews. Tchaikovsky later wrote, "Figner and the Saint Petersburg orchestra... have made true miracles." The premiere's success was tremendous. The opera was just as successful at the Kyiv premiere twelve days later. The Bolshoi Theatre premiere took place the following year. Tchaikovsky was extremely pleased with his effort. Saint Petersburg and world premiere Date: 19 December, (O.S. 7 December), 1890 Place: Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg Conductor: Eduard Nápravník Scene Designers: Vasilyev, Yanov, Levot, Ivanov, Andreyev Balletmaster: Marius Petipa Kyiv premiere Date: 31 December (O.S. 19 December), 1890 Place: Conductor: Iosif Pribik Moscow premiere Date: 4 November 1891 Place: Bolshoi Theatre Conductor: Ippolit Al'tani Scene Designers: Karl Valts (Waltz), Lebedev Balletmasters: Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov Other notable performances 11 or 12 October 1892, Prague, first performance outside Russia; conducted