Vakula the Smith

comic opera by Tchaikovsky

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July 14, 2026

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"Vakula the Smith" is an opera by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, composed in 1874. It was later revised and retitled "Cherevichki" in 1885. While Tchaikovsky's operas are known for their clear characterization and lyrical expression, "Vakula the Smith" did not achieve significant success and faced critical judgment. Tchaikovsky's operatic works, in general, did not find as much appreciation in the West as his instrumental compositions, with the exceptions of "Eugene Onegin" and "The Queen of Spades".12

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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Middle years
His next opera, Vakula the Smith (1874), later revised as Cherevichki (1885; The Little Shoes), was similarly judged. In his early operas the young composer experienced difficulty in striking a balance between creative fervour and his ability to assess critically the work in progress. However, his instrumental works…
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His next opera, Vakula the Smith (1874), later revised as Cherevichki (1885; The Little Shoes), was similarly judged. In his early operas the young composer experienced difficulty in striking a balance between creative fervour and his ability to assess critically the work in progress. However, his instrumental works…
Read More