Searing high notes, velvety legato, and virginal pianissimo all served the drama of the character, a cynical manipulator of men who is surprised to find love. The Russian soprano’s vocal power and subtle acting provided the gamut of expression from her wide-ranging Act I scena “È strano” to the contained, tragic strains of “Addio del passato” in Act IV, a more heart-breaking moment in this performance than the character’s death.