Yusif Eyvazov dominated Friday’s Met premiere of Pikovaya Dama with a fearless, world-class portrayal that instantly transformed the opera into December’s must-see event.

Hermann is never seen at ease: his scenes always portray him under duress and thus his vocal writing is extremely demanding calling for passionate declamation and ringing high notes. Happily, Eyvazov, whose previous Met appearances have been restricted to works by Puccini, demonstrated these qualities in, ahem,  {…}

The role is perfect for Eyvazov’s bright, edgy tenor, and thanks to Tchaikovsky’s lighter scoring, a sensitive conductor, and Moshinsky’s thoughtful blocking he is far more audible than he was in Turandot earlier in the season. In fact, this is far and away the best I’ve heard him sing, displaying sympathetic lyrical chops and an impassioned delivery. His plea to Lisa in the Act I bedroom scene (Prosti prelestnoe sozdanye) is meltingly delivered, the top notes gleaming throughout. He {…}