The original version of Kotlyarevsky's play in 1819 contained a number of Ukrainian folk songs which were sung at different points throughout the work.

Simultaneously, the play starring M. Shchepkin as Vyborny was premiered in Moscow in the 1830s with music arranged by the head violinist and later conductor A. Gurianov.

The songs were transformed into arias, and an overture and musical entracts were added which stayed true to the spirit of Kotlyarevsky's play.

Although Lysenko's version is usually categorised as an operetta,[1] it is more comparable to an opera-comique, containing as it does long stretches of spoken dialogue.

During this period the parts have been performed by leading Ukrainian singers including M. Shchepkin, M. Kropivnytsky, P. Saksahansky, M. Zankovetsky, I. Patorzhynsky, M. Lytvynenko-Volhemut, M. Donets and O. Petrusenko.

Viborniy persuades Natalka's mother, Terpilikha, that her daughter should marry the wealthy Vozniy, rather than await the uncertain return of Petro.