Anthony Tomassini reviews the Dallas Opera's 2001 premiere of Tobias Picker's opera, based on Emile Zola's naturalist novel.

Robert Wilder Blue provides a history of Zola's tale, first written as a novel, then adapted by him for the stage, and adapted later as a film and, in 2001, an opera.

Read about Gene Scheer, the librettist of Tobias Picker's opera, about and adapting the libretto from Zola's novel and play.

Tobias Picker, composer of the opera as well as of "Emmeline" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is interviewed on his intentions in the opera.

Explore the magical occurrences that serve to reunite the Tsar with his Tsarina in this musical fable by Rimsky-Korsakov.

Learn the ugly lengths to which unscrupulous rivals will go to prevent Martha's marriage to Ivan the Terrible in Rimsky-Korsakov's work.

Discover the alarming role of "The Golden Cockerel" of the title of this musical fable by Rimsky-Korsakov.