"A Life for the Tsar" is an opera composed by Mikhail Glinka, first performed in 1836. It is notable for being one of the first significant Russian operas, blending national themes with traditional operatic elements. The story revolves around the themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism, set against the backdrop of the historical conflict between Russia and Poland. The opera features a variety of characters, including the heroic figure Ivan Susanin, who sacrifices his life to protect the Tsar. Glinka's work is celebrated for its incorporation of Russian folk melodies and its influence on later composers, marking a pivotal moment in the development of Russian classical music.