On This Day

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky completes his ballet "Swan Lake"

Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76.

Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76. Despite its initial failure, it is now one of the most popular ballets of all time.

The scenario, initially in two acts, was based on Russian and German folk tales, telling a story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse.

The ballet was premiered by the Bolshoi Ballet on 4 March [O.S. 20 February] 1877 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The choreographer of this original production was Julius Reisinger (Václav Reisinger).

Most ballet companies now base their performances on the 1895 revival of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, first staged for the Imperial Ballet on 15 January 1895, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.

Historical Significance

Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76.

Key People

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Musician

Russian composer

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Events After

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More from the 1870s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 22, 1876?
Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76. Despite its initial failure, it is now one of the most popular ballets of all time. The scenario, initially in two acts, was based on Russian and German folk tales, telling a story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse.
Why is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky completes his ballet "Swan Lake" significant?
Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76.
Who was involved in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky completes his ballet "Swan Lake"?
Key figures include Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Musician).

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