Lensky's aria, sung before his tragic duel with Onegin, is a poignant reflection on lost youth and impending death, showcasing Tchaikovsky's mastery of lyrical drama.
The Polonaise from Eugene Onegin is a grand dance piece symbolizing aristocratic elegance in Tchaikovsky's opera. It appears in Act 3 during a lavish ball scene, contrasting sharply with the protagonist's inner turmoil through its festive triple-meter rhythm and orchestral brilliance.