Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s ninth opera, one of his great favorites, was premiered on the threshold of the 20th century when the composer had been already known well as “the greatest fantasist” in Russian music. Truly Verdi’s passions running high on the stage astonished the audience and caused some contemporaries to reproach Rimsky-Korsakov with self-betrayal. Nevertheless, the composer kept saying that the openness of any drama expressible through singing was a recipe for success and future existence of the opera. His case has been proved by history, and The Tsar’s Bride remains among the most beloved opera repertoire of many theatres.