P.I. Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)
"Swan Lake", fantasy ballet in 4 acts
The ballet “Swan Lake” was commissioned by Tchaikovsky in the spring of 1875 by the management of the Moscow Bolshoi Theater. The initiative, apparently, belonged to the then inspector of the repertoire, and later the manager of the imperial theaters in Moscow - V.P. Begichev, who was very famous in Moscow as a writer, playwright and active public figure. He, together with ballet dancer V.F. Geltser, was also the author of the libretto for Swan Lake.
The first two acts were written by the composer at the end of the summer of 1875, in the spring of 1876 the ballet was completed and fully instrumented, and in the fall of the same year work on the play was already underway at the theater.
The premiere of the play took place on February 20, 1877 on the stage of the Moscow Bolshoi Theater. According to contemporaries, the production turned out to be very mediocre, the reason for which was primarily the creative helplessness of the choreographer Julius Reisinger. In one of the reviews of the premiere we read: “...Reisinger... showed, if not an art corresponding to his specialty, then a remarkable ability to organize some kind of dances instead of dances.” gymnastic exercises. The corps de ballet is marking time in the same place, flapping its arms like windmills' wings, and the soloists are jumping around the stage with gymnastic steps.”
The cast of leading roles at the first performances was also very weak: in the role of Odette, instead of the talented prima ballerina A. Sobestanskaya, her understudy P. Karpakova performed, an orchestra led by the then inexperienced conductor Ryabov, moreover, unprepared to perform scores like “Swan Lake” ", performed his task extremely carelessly. According to one reviewer, only two orchestral rehearsals took place before the premiere.
The first stage incarnation of “Swan Lake” worthy of Tchaikovsky’s music was the St. Petersburg premiere of the ballet, performed in 1895 by M. Petipa and L. Ivanov. Here choreography first discovered and translated into its own language the wonderful lyrics of Tchaikovsky’s work. The 1895 production served as the basis for all subsequent interpretations of the ballet. The image of the swan girl has become one of the classic roles of the ballet repertoire, attractive and difficult, requiring brilliant virtuosity and subtle lyrical responsiveness from the artist. The Russian choreographic school has put forward many wonderful performers of this role, and among them Galina Ulanova, unrivaled in spirituality.
Characters:
Dominant princess
Prince Siegfried - her son
Benno - Siegfried's friend
Wolfgang - the prince's mentor
Odette the Swan Queen
VonRothbard - evil genius
Odile - his daughter
Master of Ceremonies
Friends of the prince, court gentlemen, lackeys, court ladies and pages in the princess's retinue, villagers, villagers, swans, cubs.
The introduction music is the first sketch of a beautiful and sad story about an enchanted bird girl. The thread of the narrative is led by a gentle melody of the oboe, akin to the main musical image of the ballet - the swan theme. In the middle section of the introduction, the color gradually changes: dark and disturbing shadows appear, the music becomes dramatized. The cries of the trombones sound menacing and ominous. Escalation leads to repetition initial theme(reprise-coda), which is performed by trumpets (duplicated by woodwinds), and then by cellos against the backdrop of the alarming hum of timpani. Now this topic is becoming tragic.
Action one
Park in front of the castle.
2. . A merry party on the occasion of Prince Siegfried's coming of age. Villagers arrive who want to congratulate the young prince. The men are treated to wine, and the women villagers are given ribbons and flowers.
The music of this scene is brightly major and full of lively energy. According to Laroche, this music reveals "the bright, cheerful and powerful Tchaikovsky." The middle part of the scene is an elegant pastoral scene illustrating the appearance of the villagers. The contrast between the brilliant and dense presentation of music in the extreme parts of the stage and the transparent sound - mainly wooden instruments- in the middle episode.
3. . The villagers dance, wanting to entertain the prince. The beauty of this waltz lies most of all in its bright and inexhaustibly varied melodic pattern. The waltz begins with a short introductory movement ("Intrada"), followed by the main theme of the first section. The development of this melody is enlivened by passages of flutes and clarinets “roaring” around the main melodic voice (the first violins), and especially by intermediate episodes, temporarily introducing new rhythms and colors. The middle part of the waltz contains even more expressive melodies. The melodious, lyrically soulful theme of the central episode is especially memorable:
The emotionality of this theme receives a vivid development in a large symphonic build-up, leading to the final part of the entire piece (reprise-coda). Here the initial themes of the waltz are transformed, sounding bravura and festive.
4. . Servants run in and announce the arrival of the princess mother. This news interrupts the general fun for a moment. Siegfried goes to meet his mother, greeting her respectfully. The princess talks affectionately with her son, reminding him that the days of his single life are coming to an end, tomorrow he must become a groom. When asked who his bride is, the princess replies that tomorrow’s ball will decide this, to which she invited all the girls worthy of becoming the prince’s wife. He himself will choose the best of them. Having allowed the fun to continue, the princess leaves. The feasting and dancing resume.
At the beginning of the scene there is music, illustrating the restlessness and bustle of the youth taken by surprise. The appearance of the princess is announced by the sounds of fanfare. A new, affectionately calm musical theme accompanies the speech of Siegfried's mother:
At the end of the scene, the energetic and playful music from the beginning of the action returns.
5. . Divertimento suite, consisting of individual dance variations: Intrada (introduction). А11егго moderato. A light, smoothly sliding melody against the background of a ringing harp accompaniment. In the middle section, the expressiveness of the melody intensifies, thanks to the sharp harmonies and languid chromaticisms in the accompanying voices.
6. . This play is based on a sincere, slightly sad melody of the Russian lyrical style. The melody is presented in the form of a duet-canon (the second voice, entering with a slight delay, accurately reproduces the melody of the first voice); the parts are assigned to the oboe and bassoon, the sound of which resembles the contrast of female and male voices.
7. . Light and brilliant dance in polka rhythm. Wooden instruments (clarinet, flute, then bassoon) are soloed to the transparent accompaniment of strings.
8. . A typically male dance with energetic and massive movements, a bright contrast to previous. Set out with heavy, sonorous chords from the entire orchestra.
9. . A fast and virtuoso-light piece with a melody from flutes and violins.
10. (Allegro vivace) closes the suite with a more extensive and developed dance of a lively festive nature.
eleven. . A new divertissement suite consisting of four numbers. Tempo di valse is a waltz, very light in color, graceful in rhythm. Despite its brevity, the dance develops with the usual activity for Tchaikovsky. After the transparent beginning, the thicker and rhythmically more complex theme of the middle episode sounds very fresh. The return of the original thought is enriched by the melodic pattern of the flute.
12. – Allegro. The dance-song, one of the most charming lyrical episodes of Swan Lake, is filled with soft, purely Russian melancholicity. The songfulness of this dance is emphasized by its instrumentation: the melody is led almost all the time by a solo violin. At the end she is echoed by the equally melodious voice of the oboe. The song immediately transitions into a fast galloping dance. Here again the main role is played by the solo violin, whose part becomes brilliantly virtuosic.
13. Waltz. In the main theme there is a very expressive dialogue between the bravura “male” singing of the cornet (dubbed by the first violins) and the two clarinets playfully responding to it. In the reprise, a new melodic voice of the violins is added to the cornet theme - Tchaikovsky’s usual method of lyrical enrichment of the image.
14. (А11егго molto vivace). A fast, brilliantly instrumented dance of a final nature.
15. . Dance-action. Wolfgang, drunk from wine, tries to dance and makes everyone laugh with his awkwardness. He spins helplessly and finally falls. The music clearly illustrates this scene, and then turns into a fast, cheerful dance.
16. . Pantomime. It's starting to get dark. One of the guests offers to dance the last dance with cups in their hands. The music of this scene is a brief connecting episode between the two numbers.
17. . Spectacular festive dance in the rhythm of the polonaise. An enlivening contrast is provided by the transparent music of the middle part with its graceful interplay of strings and wooden instruments and the sounds of bells imitating the clinking of glasses.
18. . A flock of swans appears in the evening sky. The sight of flying birds makes young people think about hunting. Leaving the intoxicated Wolfgang, Siegfried and his friends leave. In the music of this episode, for the first time, the swan theme, which is the main musical image of the ballet, appears - a melody full of tender beauty and sadness. Its first performance is entrusted to the oboe, which sounds against the backdrop of an arpeggiated harp and tremulous tremolo chords of the strings.
Act two
Rocky wilderness. In the depths of the scene is a lake, on the shore of which are the ruins of a chapel. Moonlit night.
1. . A flock of white swans swims across the lake. In front is a swan crowned. The music of this scene develops the main lyrical theme of the ballet (the theme of the swan girl). Its first performance by the solo oboe sounds like a touching song, but gradually the music becomes more dramatic. The build-up leads to a new presentation of the main part of the theme in the powerful sound of the entire orchestra.
2. . Siegfried's friends appear on the shore of the lake, and soon the prince himself. They see a flock of swans and are ready to start hunting, but the birds quickly disappear. At this time, Odette emerges from the ruins of the chapel, which is illuminated by a magical light. She begs the prince not to shoot the swans and tells him sad story own life. By the will of an evil genius, she (Princess Odette) and her friends are turned into birds. Only at night near these ruins can they take on human form. The ruler of the girls - a gloomy owl - is constantly watching them. The spell of the evil genius will be defeated only by the one who loves Odette selflessly and eternal love, a love that knows no hesitation and is ready to make sacrifices. Siegfried is enchanted by Odette's beauty. He thinks with horror that he could have killed the princess when she was in the form of a swan. An owl flies over the chapel as an ominous shadow. Hiding in the ruins, he overhears a conversation between Odette and Siegfried.
The music of this scene consists of several episodes closely related to the action. In the first (Allegro moderato) - the carefree-playful mood is only briefly interrupted by a flash of anxiety: the prince sees swans and
wants to shoot. The motive of the complaint sounding at this moment (woodwinds accompanied by tremolo strings) is close to the theme of the swan. The next episode, Odette’s pleas addressed to the prince, begins with a gentle melody of the oboe against the backdrop of light pizzicato string chords.
The lyrical solo turns into a duet, where the oboe responds with lovingly consoling phrases from the cello. The development of the duet leads to an episode of Odette's story. The excited music of the story is akin to the melody of the waltz (No. 2) from the first act. The music of the story is interrupted by trumpet chords of trombones, illustrating the appearance of an eagle owl.
The last episode is a dramatized reprise of Odette's story. According to the composer’s remarks, this includes the words of the swan girl that only marriage will free her from the power of evil spells, and the passionate exclamations of the prince: “Oh, forgive me, forgive me!”
3. . A string of swans, Odette's friends, appears. Music that paints them (Allegro) anxiously and anxiously. As an answer, Odette’s new lyrically tender melody sounds (the composer accompanies this theme with a remark:"Odette: Enough, stop it, he’s kind..."); again, as in the arioso of the supplication, the oboe solos against the backdrop of pizzicato strings:
Then follows Siegfried’s phrase filled with ardent gratitude (composer’s remark: “The Prince Throws His Gun”) and a new implementation of Odette’s theme (Moderato assai quasi andante); presented transparently and lightly in the high register of woodwind instruments, it perfectly corresponds to the author’s remark:"Odette: Calm down, knight..."
4. . A divertimento consisting of a series of solo and group dances. The musical form combines the features of a suite and a rondo. The refrain is a waltz, which opens a series of dances.
5. - a playful, rhythmically perky dance, the melody of which is performed by violins, then by flutes (author’s note:"Odette solo").
6. - repetition of the waltz.
7. - one of the most popular numbers of Swan Lake. His music is touchingly simple, poetic, and full of naive grace. The instrumentation is transparent, with a predominance of woodwind timbre (characteristic of Tchaikovsky's contrasting preparation for the next, important number, a lyrical adagio, where the sound of string instruments dominates). The main theme is performed by two oboes, supported by light bassoon accompaniment.
8. . Love duet of Odette and the prince. This is one of the most significant numbers in the ballet. According to the memoirs of N. D. Kashkin, Tchaikovsky borrowed the music of Adagio from his destroyed opera “Ondine”. The music conveys the first confessions of the lovers, their gentle shyness and animation. The duet opens with a magical-sounding harp cadenza. The main melody is sung by a solo violin, accompanied by transparent harp chords.
The beginning of the middle section of A Dagio with its abrupt, seemingly fluttering chords of oboes and clarinets, is felt like a barely noticeable ripple on the mirror surface of water. This is the music of the introduction and conclusion of this part, and its basis is a new melody of the solo violin, full of joyful animation and brilliance.
In the reprise of A Dagio we again hear the beautiful lyrical melody of the first movement. But now solo singing turns into a duet: the main theme is led by the cello, and melodious phrases of the violin echo it in the high register. “Song of Love” blossoms richer and brighter.
9. -small fast variation (A ll his) - serves as a transition to the seventh, new waltz, this time enhanced in its sonority.
10. . The divertissement ends with a lively coda (A ll his vivace).
eleven. . The final. Love for Odette more and more takes possession of the prince's heart. He vows that he will be faithful to her and volunteers to be her savior. Odette reminds Siegfried that tomorrow there is a ball at his castle, where the prince, at the request of his mother, will have to choose a bride. The evil genius will do everything to force the prince to break his oath, and then Odette and her friends will forever remain in the power of the owl. But Siegfried is confident in the strength of his feelings: no spell will take Odette away from him. Dawn breaks and the hour of farewell arrives. The girls, turning into swans, swim across the lake, and a huge black eagle owl stretches its wings above them. The music of this scene, based on the swan theme, completely reproduces the opening episode of the second act.
Act three
Hall of the castle of the ruling princess.
1. . A11eggo qiusto. The ball begins, at which Prince Siegfried has to choose a bride. The master of ceremonies gives the necessary orders. The guests, the princess and Siegfried with their retinue, follow. The stage is accompanied by festive music in the nature of a fast march.
2. . At the sign of the master of ceremonies, dancing begins. The music of this number contains a brightly contrasting juxtaposition: on the one hand, the full sound and brilliance of the general dance, on the other, transparency, a witty play of timbres, and the theatrical character of the “dwarf dance” (middle episode).
3. . Trumpets announce the arrival of new guests. The master of ceremonies meets them, and the herald announces their names to the prince. Girls dance with gentlemen. A short fanfare introduction is followed by a brightly melodic dance known as the Brides' Waltz. The dance music is interrupted twice by trumpet signals - signs of the arrival of new guests. After the first break, the waltz resumes in a melodic version.
The last, third performance of the waltz is extended; According to the composer’s remark, “the entire corps de ballet” dances here. This large waltz reprise introduces a new middle episode with a brass theme that introduces an element of gloom and anxiety.
4. The princess asks her son which of the girls he liked. But Siegfried does not hide his indifference to what is happening: his soul is full of memories of Odette. An evil genius appears in the hall in the form of the gloomy Count Rothbard. With him is his daughter Odile. Siegfried is struck by the resemblance of the new guest to his beloved Odette, he decides that this is a swan girl who unexpectedly appeared at the ball, and enthusiastically greets her. At this moment, Odette appears in the window in the form of a swan, trying to warn the prince against the treachery of the evil genius. But the carried away Siegfried sees and hears no one except Odile.
The beginning of the scene - the mother's affectionate questions to her son and his restless responses - is conveyed by the melody of the "Waltz of the Brides", which has now taken on a new look. The sounds of trumpets precede the appearance of Rothbard and Odile. A short orchestral recitative follows with Tchaikovsky’s characteristic motif of the fatal “blow of fate.” And then, against the backdrop of tremolo strings, the swan theme sounds sharply dramatic, expressing the despair of the deceived Odette.
5. . Dance of six. The plot and dramatic intent of this diversion remained unknown. It can be assumed that it is connected with the following phrase from the original version of the libretto: “The dancing continues, during which the prince shows a clear preference for Odile, who poses coquettishly in front of him.”
6. . In the Hungarian “Csardas” the contrast of the first minor-pathetic part and the lively and cheerful second part with sharp rhythms (similar to the “starter” and “chorus”) is typical.
7. consists of an opening cadenza and a large virtuoso violin solo.
8. is sustained in the characteristic “bolero” rhythm, emphasized by the sonorous clicking of castanets.
9. . In Italian, the first part is built on the melody of an authentic Neapolitan song (cornet solo), and the “chorus” is written in the energetic festive movement of the tarantella.
10. . Polish dance - mazurka, proud in the extreme parts, with warlike stamping, in the middle part is lyrically graceful, instrumented subtly and transparently (two clarinets in the background p izzicato strings).
eleven. . The princess is glad that Siegfried is infatuated with Rothbard's daughter, and informs her mentor about this. The prince invites Odile to a waltz tour. He is still sure that the beautiful guest is Odette. Getting more and more carried away, he kisses her hand. The princess, seeing this, announces that Odile is to become Siegfried's bride; Rothbard solemnly joins the hands of his daughter and Siegfried. At this moment it becomes dark, and Siegfried sees Odette in the window (according to the original version of the libretto, “the window swings open noisily and a white swan with a crown on its head is shown on the window”). He becomes convinced with horror that he has become a victim of deception, but it is too late: the oath is broken, the swan girl will forever remain in the power of the owl. Rothbard and Odile disappear. Siegfried, in despair, rushes to the lake of swans.
Act four
The deserted shore of the swan lake. In the distance, the ruins of rocks were sought. Night...
1. . Music depicts Odette's friends, kind and affectionate. Beautiful, softly melodious phrases, sounding alternately from different groups of the orchestra, alternate with airy arpeggios of the harp.
2. . The girls are waiting for the return of their beloved friend Odette, wondering where she could have disappeared to. The music of this scene develops the main theme of the Intermission, which becomes increasingly restless. The development leads to a new, touchingly tender melody of the final section. Tchaikovsky borrowed the music for this number from his opera “The Voevoda,” written in 1868 and subsequently destroyed by the composer (currently restored from surviving materials and included in the Complete Works of P. I. Tchaikovsky, vol. I)
3. . Languishing with restless anticipation of Odette, the girls try to entertain themselves by dancing. The composer's remark explaining this number: “Swan girls teach swans to dance.” The music is imbued with broad songfulness. main topic- Russian soulful lyrical melody in a character typical of the early Tchaikovsky.
4. . Odette runs in. She talks with deep emotion about Siegfried's betrayal. Her friends console her and persuade her not to think about the prince anymore.
“But I love him,” Odette says sadly. “Poor thing!” Let’s fly away quickly, here he comes!” “He?” - Oh, Detta runs towards the ruins in fear, then stops.
"I want to see him in last time! It's getting dark. Strong gusts the winds herald the appearance of an evil genius.
5. . Siegfried appears. In confusion and grief, he looks for Odette to beg her forgiveness. The joy of the lovers' meeting does not last long - the appearance of an evil genius reminds of the irreparability of what happened. Odette says goodbye to Siegfried; she must die before the coming morning turns her back into a swan. But the prince also prefers death to separation from his beloved. This plunges the evil genius into fear: Siegfried’s willingness to sacrifice his life in the name of love means inevitable death for the owl. Unable to defeat the great feeling of love, he tries to separate the lovers with a furious storm: the wind whirlwinds intensify, the lake overflows its banks. Odette and after her Siegfried throw themselves from the top of a cliff into the abyss of a stormy lake. The evil genius falls dead. Apotheosis depicts a bright underwater kingdom. Nymphs and naiads joyfully greet Odette and her lover and take them to the “temple of eternal happiness.”
The music of the finale begins with a broad, pathetic melody depicting the appearance of Siegfried.
His plea for forgiveness, grief and despair are embodied in the swan theme, which now runs in passionately excited movement. The confusion of feelings in Siegfried's soul merges with the furious rage of nature. Again - this time with utmost force and pathosity - the swan theme sounds. IN last episode
At the end of the finale, the main musical theme of the ballet is transformed: it grows into a bright, solemn hymn of victorious love.
© Inna Astakhova
Based on materials from the book: Zhitomirsky D., “Tchaikovsky’s Ballets”, Moscow, 1957 Libretto published for the premiere of “Swan Lake” staged by V. Reisinger at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on Sunday, February 20 (old style), 1877. Quote. by: A. Demidov. " Swan Lake
", M.: Art, 1985; ss. 73-77.
Characters Odette,
Kind fairy
Dominant princess
Prince Siegfried, her son
Wolfgang, his mentor
Benno von Somerstern, friend of the prince
Von Rothbart, evil genius, disguised as a guest
Odile, his daughter, similar to Odette
Master of Ceremonies
Baron von Stein
Baroness, his wife
Freiger von Schwarzfels
His wife
1, 2, 3 - court gentlemen, friends of the prince
Herald
Skorokhod
1, 2, 3, 4 - villagers
Courtiers of both sexes, heralds, guests, pages, villagers and villagers, servants, swans and cubs.
The action takes place in Germany. The scenery of the first act depicts a luxurious park, in the depths of which a castle can be seen. There is a beautiful bridge across the stream. On stage is the young sovereign Prince Siegfried, celebrating his coming of age. The prince's friends are sitting at tables and drinking wine. The peasants and, of course, the peasant women who came to congratulate the prince, at the request of the drunken old Wolfgang, the mentor of the young prince, dance. The prince treats
dancing men
wine, and Wolfgang takes care of the peasant women, giving them ribbons and bouquets.
The dancing is more lively. A walker runs in and announces to the prince that the princess, his mother, wanting to talk to him, will now deign to come here herself.
The news upsets the fun, the dancing stops, the peasants fade into the background, the servants rush to clear tables, hide bottles, etc. The venerable mentor, realizing that he is setting a bad example for his pupil, tries to assume the appearance of a businesslike and sober man.
Finally, the princess herself, accompanied by her retinue. All guests and peasants bow to her respectfully. The young prince, followed by his drunken and staggering mentor, go to meet the princess.
The princess, noticing her son's embarrassment, explains to him that she came here not at all to upset the fun, to disturb him, but because she needs to talk with him about his marriage, for which the real day of his coming of age was chosen. “I am old,” the princess continues, “and therefore I want you to get married during my lifetime. I want to die knowing that with your marriage you did not disgrace our famous family.”
The prince, who is not yet ready to marry, although he is annoyed at his mother’s proposal, is ready to submit and respectfully asks his mother: who did she choose to be his life partner?
“I haven’t chosen anyone yet,” the mother replies, “because I want you to do it yourself.” Tomorrow I have a big ball, which will bring together nobles and their daughters. From among them you will have to choose the one you like, and she will be your wife.
Siegfried sees that it is not yet particularly bad, and therefore replies that I will never leave your obedience, maman.
“I said everything I needed to say,” the princess answers, “and I’m leaving.” Have fun without being shy.
“And that’s true,” the prince laughs,
The revelry begins again. The peasants dance sometimes in groups, sometimes separately. The venerable Wolfgang, still a little tipsy, also starts dancing and dances, of course, so hilariously funny that everyone laughs. After dancing, Wolfgang begins to court him, but the peasant women laugh at him and run away from him. He especially liked one of them, and he, having previously declared his love for her, wants to kiss her, but the cheat dodges, and, as always happens in ballets, he kisses her fiancé instead. Wolfgang's bewilderment. General laughter from those present.
But it’s already night soon; It's getting dark. One of the guests suggests dancing with cups. Those present willingly comply with the proposal.
From afar a flock of swans appears in flight.
But it’s hard to hit them,” Benno encourages the prince, pointing him to the swans.
“That’s nonsense,” the prince replies, “I’ll probably get hit, bring a gun.”
“No need,” Wolfgang dissuades, no need: it’s time to sleep.
The prince pretends that in fact, perhaps, there is no need, it’s time to sleep. But as soon as the calmed old man leaves, he calls the servant, takes the gun and hastily runs away with Benno in the direction where the swans flew.
Act two
Mountainous, wild area, forest on all sides. In the depths of the stage there is a lake, on the shore of which, to the right of the viewer, is a dilapidated building, something like a chapel. Night. The moon is shining.
White swans with their cubs are swimming on the lake. This flock is swimming towards the ruins. In front of him is a swan with a crown on its head.
The tired prince and Benno enter the stage.
“I can’t go further,” says the last one, “I can’t, I don’t have the strength.” Let's take a rest, shall we?
“Perhaps,” Siegfried answers. - We must have gone far from the castle? We’ll probably have to spend the night here... Look,” he points to the lake, “that’s where the swans are.” Rather, a gun!
Benno hands him a gun; The prince had just managed to take aim when the swans instantly disappeared. At the same moment, the interior of the ruins is illuminated by some extraordinary light.
Let's fly away! It's a shame... But look, what is this? - And the prince points Benno to the illuminated ruins.
- Strange! - Benno is surprised. - This place must be enchanted.
“This is what we are exploring now,” the prince answers and heads towards the ruins.
He had just managed to get there when a girl in white clothes, wearing a crown of precious stones. The girl is illuminated by moonlight.
Surprised, Siegfried and Benno retreat from the ruins. Shaking her head gloomily, the girl asks the prince:
- Why are you pursuing me, knight? What I did to you?
The prince, embarrassed, replies:
- I didn’t think... I didn’t expect...
The girl comes down from the steps, quietly approaches the prince and, putting her hand on his shoulder, says reproachfully:
- That swan you wanted to kill was me!
- You?! Swan?! Can't be!
- Yes, listen... My name is Odette, my mother is a good fairy; She, contrary to the will of her father, passionately, madly fell in love with one noble knight and married him, but he destroyed her - and she was gone. My father married someone else, forgot about me, and my evil stepmother, who was a witch, hated me and almost tormented me. But my grandfather took me in with him. The old man loved my mother terribly and cried so much for her that this lake accumulated from his tears, and there, in the very depths, he went himself and hid me from people. Now, recently, he has begun to pamper me and gives me complete freedom to have fun.
So during the day my friends and I turn into swans and, cheerfully cutting through the air with our chests, we fly high, high, almost to the sky, and at night we play and dance here, near our old man. But my stepmother still doesn’t leave me alone, or even my friends...
At this moment the cry of an owl is heard.
“Do you hear?.. It’s her ominous voice,” says Odette, looking around anxiously.
- Look, there she is!
A huge owl with glowing eyes appears on the ruins.
“She would have destroyed me long ago,” Odette continues. - But grandfather watches her vigilantly and does not let me offend. With my marriage, the witch will lose the opportunity to harm me, but until then only this crown saves me from her malice. That's all, my story is not long.
- Oh, forgive me, beauty, forgive me! - says the embarrassed prince, throwing himself on his knees.
Lines of young girls and children run out of the ruins, and everyone reproaches the young hunter, saying that because of empty fun, he almost deprived them of the one who is dearest to them. The prince and his friend are in despair.
Enough,” says Odette, “stop it.” You see, he is kind, he is sad, he feels sorry for me.
The prince takes his gun and, quickly breaking it, throws it away, saying:
“I swear, from now on my hand will never rise to kill any bird!”
- Calm down, knight. Let's forget everything and let's have fun with us. The dancing begins, in which the prince and Benno take part. The swans make up beautiful groups
You don't believe me, cold, cruel Odette!
“I’m afraid to believe, noble knight, I’m afraid that your imagination is only deceiving you - tomorrow at your mother’s holiday you will see many lovely young girls and fall in love with another, forget about me.”
- Oh, never! I swear on my knightly honor!
- Well, listen: I won’t hide from you that I like you too, I also fell in love with you, but a terrible premonition takes possession of me. It seems to me that the machinations of this sorceress, preparing some kind of test for you, will destroy our happiness.
- I challenge the whole world to fight! You, you alone, I will love all my life! And no spell of this witch will destroy my happiness!
“Okay, tomorrow our fate must be decided: either you will never see me again, or I will humbly lay down my crown at your feet.” But enough, it’s time to part, the dawn is breaking. Goodbye - see you tomorrow!
Odette and her friends are hiding in the ruins, dawn is burning in the sky, a flock of swans swims on the lake, and a large owl flies above them, heavily flapping its wings.
(A curtain)
Act three
A luxurious hall in the princess's castle, everything is prepared for the holiday. Old Wolfgang gives his last orders to the servants. The master of ceremonies welcomes and accommodates guests. The appearing herald announces the arrival of the princess and the young prince, who enter accompanied by their courtiers, pages and dwarfs and, bowing politely to the guests, occupy the places of honor prepared for them. The master of ceremonies, at a sign from the princess, gives the order to begin dancing.
The guests, both men and women, make up different groups, dwarfs are dancing. The sound of a trumpet announces the arrival of new guests; the master of ceremonies goes to meet them, and the herald announces their names to the princess. The old count enters with his wife and young daughter, they respectfully bow to the owners, and the daughter, at the invitation of the princess, takes part in the dancing. Then again the sound of the trumpet, again the master of ceremonies and the herald perform their duties: new guests enter... The old people are accommodated by the master of ceremonies, and the young girls are invited by the princess to dance. After several such exits, the princess calls her son aside and asks him which of the girls impressed him pleasant impression?..
The prince sadly answers her:
“I haven’t liked any of them so far, mother.”
The princess shrugs her shoulders with annoyance, calls Wolfgang over and conveys to him her son’s angry words. The mentor tries to persuade his pet, but the sound of a trumpet is heard, and von Rothbart enters the hall with his daughter Odile. The prince, upon seeing Odile, is struck by her beauty; her face reminds him of his Swan-Odette.
He calls his friend Benno and asks him:
- Isn’t it true how she resembles Odette?
“But in my opinion, not at all... you see your Odette everywhere,” Benno answers.
The prince admires the dancing Odile for some time, then takes part in the dancing himself. The princess is very happy, calls Wolfgang and tells him that it seems that this guest has made an impression on her son?
“Oh yes,” Wolfgang replies, “wait a little, the young prince is not a stone, a short time he will fall in love madly, without memory.
Meanwhile, the dancing continues, and during it the prince shows a clear preference for Odile, who poses flirtatiously in front of him. In a moment of infatuation, the prince kisses Odile’s hand. Then the princess and old man Rothbart get up from their seats and go out to the middle, to the dancers.
“My son,” says the princess, “you can only kiss the hand of your bride.”
- I'm ready, mother!
- What will her father say to this? - says the princess.
Von Rothbart solemnly takes his daughter's hand and hands it to the young prince.
The scene instantly darkens, an owl screams, von Rothbart's clothes fall off, and he appears in the form of a demon. Odile laughs. The window swings open noisily, and on the window is shown white swan with a crown on his head. The prince throws his hand in horror new girlfriend and, clutching his heart, runs out of the castle.
(A curtain)
Act Four
Scenery for the second act. Night. Odette's friends are waiting for her return; some of them wonder where she could have disappeared to; they are sad without her, and they try to entertain themselves by dancing themselves and making the young swans dance.
But then Odette runs onto the stage, her hair from under the crown is scattered in disarray over her shoulders, she is in tears and despair; her friends surround her and ask what’s wrong with her?
- He did not fulfill his oath, he did not pass the test! - says Odette.
Her friends, indignant, persuade her not to think about the traitor anymore.
“But I love him,” Odette says sadly.
- Poor, poor! Let's fly away quickly, here he comes.
- He?! – Odette says with fear and runs to the ruins, but suddenly stops and says: “I want to see him for the last time.”
- But you will destroy yourself!
- Oh no! I'll be careful. Go, sisters, and wait for me.
Everyone goes into ruins. Thunder is heard... First, isolated rumbles, and then closer and closer; the scene becomes dark from the rushing clouds, which are occasionally illuminated by lightning; the lake begins to sway.
The prince runs onto the stage.
- Odette... here! - he says and runs up to her. - Oh, forgive me, forgive me, dear Odette.
“It’s not in my will to forgive you, it’s all over.” This is the last time we see each other!
The prince fervently begs her, Odette remains adamant. She timidly looks around at the agitated lake and, breaking away from the prince’s embrace, runs to the ruins.
The prince catches up with her, takes her hand and says in despair:
- Well, no, no! Willingly or unwillingly, you remain with me forever!
He quickly tears the crown from her head and throws it into the stormy lake, which has already overflowed its banks. An owl flies overhead screaming, carrying in its talons Odette’s crown, abandoned by the prince. What did you do! You destroyed both yourself and me. “I’m dying,” says Odette, falling into the prince’s arms, and through the roar of thunder and the sound of the waves, a sad voice is heard The last song
swan
Waves rush over the prince and Odette one after another, and soon they disappear under the water. The thunderstorm subsides, the weakening rumbles of thunder are barely audible in the distance; the moon cuts its pale ray through the dissipating clouds, and a flock of white swans appears on the calming lake.
Chaikovsky
Ballet Swan Lake. First production
Libretto by V. Begichev and V. Geltser.
Choreographer V. Reisinger.
Characters:
Odette, the good fairy. Sovereign princess. Prince Siegfried, her son. Wolfgang, his mentor. Benno von Sommerstein, friend of the prince. Von Rothbart, the evil genius, disguised as a guest. Odile, his daughter, similar to Odette. Master of ceremonies. Court gentlemen, friends of the prince. Herald. Skorokhod.
Village women, courtiers of both sexes, guests, pages, villagers and village women, servants, swans and cubs.
First performance: Moscow, Bolshoi Theater, February 20, 1877
Act one
The action takes place in Germany. Scenery first the action depicts a luxurious park, in the depths of which a castle can be seen. thrown across the stream
The dancing is more lively. A walker runs in and announces to the prince that the princess, his mother, wanting to talk to him, will now deign to come here herself. The news upsets the fun, the dancing stops, the peasants fade into the background, the servants rush to clear tables, hide bottles, etc.
The venerable mentor, realizing that he is setting a bad example for his pupil, tries to assume the appearance of a businesslike and sober person.
Finally, the princess herself, accompanied by her retinue. All guests and peasants bow to her respectfully. The young prince, followed by his drunken and staggering mentor, go to meet the princess.
The princess, noticing her son's embarrassment, explains to him that she came here not at all to upset the fun, to disturb him, but because she needs to talk with him about his marriage, for which the real day of his coming of age was chosen.
“I’m old,” the princess continues, “and therefore I want you to get married during my lifetime.” I want to die knowing that with your marriage you did not disgrace our famous family.
The prince, who is not yet ready to get married, although he is annoyed at his mother’s proposal, is ready to submit and respectfully asks his mother: who did she choose to be his life partner?
“I haven’t chosen anyone yet,” the mother answers, “because I want you to do it yourself.” Tomorrow I have a big ball, which will bring together noblemen from
their daughters. From among them you will have to choose the one you like, and she will be your wife.
Siegfried sees that things are not yet particularly bad, and therefore replies that I will never leave your obedience, maman.
“I said everything I need to say,” the princess answers, “and I’m leaving.” Have fun without being shy.
After she leaves, the prince's friends surround him and he tells them the sad news.
- The end of our fun; goodbye, sweet freedom,” he says.
“This is still a long song,” knight Benno reassures him. “Now, for now, the future is on the side, when the present smiles at us, when it is ours!”
“And that’s true,” the prince laughs.
The revelry begins again. The peasants dance sometimes in groups, sometimes separately. The venerable Wolfgang, having drunk a little more, also starts dancing and
dances so hilariously funny that everyone laughs. After dancing, Wolfgang begins to court the girls, but the peasant women laugh at him and run away from him. He especially liked one of them, and he, having previously declared his love for her, wants to kiss her, but the cheat dodges, and, as always happens in ballets, he kisses her fiancé instead. Wolfgang's bewilderment. General laughter from those present. But now the night is soon, it’s getting dark. One of the guests offers to dance with cups in their hands. Those present willingly comply with the proposal. From afar a flock of swans appears in flight. “But it’s hard to hit them,” Benno encourages the prince, pointing him to the swans.
“That’s nonsense,” the prince replies, “I’ll probably get hit, bring a gun.”
“No need,” Wolfgang dissuades, “no need, it’s time to sleep.”
The prince pretends that in fact, perhaps, there is no need, it’s time to sleep. But as soon as the calmed old man leaves, he calls the servant, takes the gun and
Hastily runs away with Benno in the direction where the swans flew.
Act two
Mountainous wilderness, forest on all sides. In the depths of the stage there is a lake, on the shore of which, to the right of the viewer, there is a dilapidated building, something like
chapels. Night. The moon is shining.
A flock of white swans with their cubs is swimming on the lake. She swims towards the ruins. In front is a swan with a crown on its head. The tired prince and Benno enter the stage.
“I can’t go any further,” says the last one, “I can’t, I don’t have the strength.” Let's take a rest, shall we?
“Perhaps,” Siegfried answers. “We must have moved far from the castle.” We’ll probably have to spend the night here... Look,” he points to the lake, “that’s where the swans are.” Rather, a gun!
Benno hands him a gun; The prince only had time to take aim when the swans instantly disappeared. At the same moment, the interior of the ruins is illuminated by some extraordinary light.
- They flew away! It's a shame... But look, what is this? - And the prince points Benno to the illuminated ruins.
- Strange! - Benno is surprised. “This place must be enchanted.”
“This is what we are exploring now,” the prince answers and heads towards the ruins.
As soon as he got there, a girl in white clothes and a crown of precious stones appeared on the steps of the stairs. The girl is illuminated by moonlight.
Surprised, Siegfried and Benno retreat from the ruins.
Shaking her head sadly, the girl asks the prince:
- Why are you pursuing me, knight? What I did to you?
The prince, embarrassed, replies:
- I didn’t think... I didn’t expect...
The girl comes down from the steps, quietly approaches the prince and, putting her hand on his shoulder, says reproachfully:
- That swan you wanted to kill was me!
- You?! Swan?! Can't be!
- Yes, listen... My name is Odette, my mother is a good fairy; She, contrary to the will of her father, passionately, madly fell in love with one noble knight and married him, but he destroyed her - and she was gone. My father got married
on the other, he forgot about me, and the evil stepmother, who was a witch, hated me and almost tormented me. But my grandfather took me in with him. The old man loved my mother terribly and cried so much for her that this lake accumulated from his tears, and there, in the very depths, he went himself and hid me from people.
Now, recently, he has begun to pamper me and gives me complete freedom to have fun. So during the day my friends and I turn into swans and, cheerfully cutting through the air with our chests, we fly high, high, almost to the sky, and at night we play and
We dance here, near our old man. But stepmother still
doesn't leave me alone, or even my friends...
At this moment the cry of an owl is heard.
“Do you hear?.. It’s her ominous voice,” says Odette, looking around anxiously. “Look, there she is!”
A huge owl with glowing eyes appears on the ruins.
“She would have ruined me long ago,” Odette continues. “But grandfather watches her vigilantly and does not let me be offended.” With my marriage, the witch loses the opportunity to harm me, and until then only the crown saves me from her malice. That's it, my story is short.
- Oh, forgive me, beauty, forgive me! - says the embarrassed prince, throwing himself on his knees.
Lines of young girls and children run out of the ruins, and everyone reproaches the young hunter, saying that because of empty fun he almost
deprived them of the one that is dearest to them.
The prince and his friend are in despair.
“That’s enough,” says Odette, “stop it.” You see, he is kind, he is sad, he feels sorry for me.
The prince takes his gun and, quickly breaking it, throws it away, saying:
“I swear, from now on my hand will never rise to kill any bird!”
- Calm down, knight. Let's forget everything and let's have fun with us.
The dancing begins, in which the prince and Benno take part. The swans sometimes form beautiful groups, sometimes they dance alone.
The prince is constantly near Odette; During the dance, he falls madly in love with Odette and begs her not to reject his love. Odette laughs and doesn’t believe him.
- You don’t believe me, cold, cruel Odette!
“I’m afraid to believe, noble knight, - I’m afraid that your imagination is only deceiving you; Tomorrow at your mother’s party you will see many lovely young girls and you will fall in love with another, forgetting about me.
- Oh, never! I swear on my knightly honor!
- Well, listen: I won’t hide from you that I like you too, I also fell in love with you, but a terrible premonition takes possession of me. It seems to me that the machinations of this sorceress, preparing some kind of test for you, will destroy our happiness.
- I challenge the whole world to fight! You, you alone, I will love all my life! And no spell of this witch will destroy my happiness!
“Okay, tomorrow our fate must be decided: either you will never see me again, or I will humbly lay down my crown at your feet.” But enough, it’s time to part, the dawn is breaking.
Goodbye - see you tomorrow!
Odette and her friends are hiding in the ruins. Dawn flared up in the sky, a flock of swans swims onto the lake, and above them, heavily flapping their wings, flies
big owl.
Act three
A luxurious hall in the princess's castle, everything is prepared for the holiday.
Old Wolfgang gives his last orders to the servants.
The master of ceremonies welcomes and accommodates guests.
The appearing herald announces the arrival of the princess and the young prince, who enter accompanied by their courtiers, pages and dwarfs and,
bowing kindly to the guests, they take the places of honor prepared for them. The master of ceremonies, at a sign from the princess, gives the order to begin dancing.
The guests, both men and women, form different groups, and the dwarfs dance. The sound of a trumpet announces the arrival of new guests; master of ceremonies
goes to meet them, and the herald announces their names to the princess. The old count enters with his wife and young daughter; they bow respectfully to their owners, and
the daughter, at the invitation of the princess, takes part in the dance. Then again the sound of the trumpet, again the master of ceremonies and the herald perform their duties; new guests enter... The old people are accommodated by the master of ceremonies, and the young girls are invited by the princess to dance. After several such appearances, the princess calls her son aside and asks him which of the girls made a pleasant impression on him. The prince sadly answers her:
“I haven’t liked any of them so far, mother.”
The princess shrugs her shoulders with annoyance, calls Wolfgang over and angrily conveys to him her son’s words. The mentor tries to persuade his pet, but the sound of a trumpet is heard, and von Rothbart enters the hall with his daughter Odile. The prince, upon seeing Odile, is struck by her beauty; her face reminds him of his Swan-Odette. He calls his friend Benno and asks him:
- Isn’t it true how she resembles Odette?
“But in my opinion, not at all... You see your Odette everywhere,” Benno answers.
The prince admires the dancing Odile for some time, then takes part in the dancing himself. The princess is very happy, calls Wolfgang and
tells him that this guest seems to have made an impression on her son.
“Oh yes,” Wolfgang answers, “wait a little: the young prince is not a stone, in a short time he will fall in love madly, without memory.”
Meanwhile, the dancing continues, and during it the prince shows a clear preference for Odile, who poses flirtatiously in front of him. In a minute
hobbies, the prince kisses Odile's hand. Then the princess and old man Rothbart get up from their seats and go out to the middle, to the dancers.
“My son,” says the princess, “you can only kiss the hand of your bride.”
- I'm ready, mother!
- What will her father say to this? - says the princess.
Von Rothbart solemnly takes his daughter's hand and hands it to the young prince.
The scene instantly darkens, an owl screams, von Rothbart's clothes fall off, and he appears in the form of a demon. Odile laughs. Window with noise
opens, and a white swan with a crown on its head is shown on the window. The prince throws away the hand of his new girlfriend with horror and, clutching his heart,
runs out of the castle.
Act four
Scenery for the second act. Night. Odette's friends are waiting for her return; some of them wonder where she could have disappeared to; they feel sad without
her, and they try to amuse themselves by dancing themselves and making the young swans dance.
But then Odette runs onto the stage, her hair from under the crown is scattered in disarray over her shoulders, she is in tears and despair; her friends surround her and ask what’s wrong with her?
He did not fulfill his oath, he did not pass the test! - says Odette.
Her friends, indignant, persuade her not to think about the traitor anymore.
“But I love him,” Odette says sadly. -
- Poor, poor! Let's fly away quickly, here he comes.
- He?! - Odette says with fear and runs to the ruins, but suddenly stops and says: “I want to see him for the last time.”
- But you will destroy yourself!
- Oh no! I'll be careful. Go, sisters, and wait for me.
Everyone goes into ruins. Thunder is heard... First, isolated rumbles, and then closer and closer; the scene becomes dark from the rushing clouds, which are occasionally illuminated by lightning; the lake begins to sway.
The prince runs onto the stage.
- Odette... here! - he says and runs up to her.-
Oh, forgive me, forgive me, dear Odette!
“It’s not in my will to forgive you, it’s all over.” This is the last time we see each other!
The prince fervently begs her, Odette remains adamant. She timidly looks around at the agitated lake and, breaking away from the prince’s embrace, runs to the ruins. The prince catches up with her, takes her hand and says in despair:
- Well, no, no! Willingly or unwillingly, you will stay with me forever!
He quickly tears the crown from her head and throws it into the stormy lake, which has already overflowed its banks. An owl flies overhead screaming, carrying
in the claws of Odette's crown abandoned by the prince.
- What did you do! You destroyed both yourself and me. “I’m dying,” says Odette, falling into the prince’s arms, and through the roar of thunder and the sound of the waves,
sad last song of the swan. Waves rush over the prince and Odette one after another, and soon they disappear under the water. The storm subsides, barely in the distance
faint rumbles of thunder are heard; the moon cuts through the dispersing clouds with its pale ray and a flock of whites appears on the calming lake
swans.
P.I. Tchaikovsky ballet "Swan Lake"
The ballet “Swan Lake” has captivated the hearts of classical music fans for more than a century. It is rightfully considered the standard high art, and many world-famous dancers were proud that they had such luck - to perform a part in this performance. “Swan Lake” without a grain of exaggeration can be called a pearl of Russian classics, and P.I. Tchaikovsky - a great composer. The ballet is based on a fairy tale from the knightly era. This is a moving and beautiful love story, filled with many obstacles and trials that await young lovers.
Brief summary of Tchaikovsky's ballet "" and many interesting facts Read about this work on our page.
|
", M.: Art, 1985; ss. 73-77. |
Description |
| Odette | princess turned into a white swan |
| Siegfried | young prince |
| Odile | Rothbart's daughter, black swan |
| Sovereign Princess | Siegfried's mother |
| Rothbart | evil wizard |
| Benno | friend of Prince Siegfried |
| Wolfgang | Siegfried's mentor |
Summary of “Swan Lake”
The ballet begins in ancient castle, during the celebration of the coming of age of the heir to the throne, Siegfried. The plot is imbued with the spirit of the era, this is largely facilitated by the rite of knighting, which means that the heir enters adulthood. But he longs for love, and of course there are a sufficient number of beauties among the guests, each of whom would be happy to be next to him. The prince dreams of a bright feeling and, like a real romantic, cherishes the image of an ideal beloved in his soul.
Young Siegfried, thanks to the intervention of Fate itself, is transported to the shore of a magical lake and meets charming girl, the image of which haunted him for so long in his dreams and in reality. She turns out to be the Beautiful Swan Odette and the ardent young man immediately confesses his feelings to her and promises to remain faithful.
But in vain does the heir to the throne rejoice at such luck; Fate prepares real obstacles for him, preventing them mutual love and tests the beautiful couple with jealousy and betrayal. Turning into a mysterious knight and appearing in the prince’s castle with Odette’s double, she forces the young man in love, blinded by emotions, to break all his vows to his chosen one. But even after going through all the obstacles, the lovers are not destined to be together; no one is able to disrupt the plans of Fate, which hides his beloved from Siegfried, leaving him alone on the shore of a beautiful magical lake.
Photo:
Interesting Facts
- This fabulous ballet, incredibly popular these days, literally failed at its first premiere. The deeply upset author said that he would be appreciated, but later and the time for this work was still ahead. This “later” came 18 years later with the brilliant productions of Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa .
- By the way, have you heard the saying about “the ninth swan in the fifth row”? It denotes an artist who has not achieved success in his career, who is forced to constantly be content minor roles and extras.
- The roles of Odette and Odile are performed by one ballerina.
- Maya Plisetskaya performed the role of Odette-Odile on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater for 30 years.
- In 1968 a new variety of white rose was named “Swan Lake”
- In his version of the famous ballet, Matthew Bourne for the first time replaced all the acting ballerinas with male dancers, which also brought huge success and public interest. This version received standing ovations on stages in the USA, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Russia, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Korea, Japan, France, Germany and Ireland, and was also awarded more than 30 international awards.
- The ballet Swan Lake was first presented to the American public at the San Francisco Ballet Theater.
- The 2002 British production of Graham Murphy's Swan Lake was based on the scandalous split between Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
- The release of Ivanov and Petipa's production in 1894 was postponed until long time due to the death of the emperor Alexandra III and subsequent official mourning.
- Literally four years before Chaikovsky received this order, he had already composed a short ballet “Lake of Swans” for children, which was performed under the strict guidance of the composer in 1871, on the Kamenka estate.
- Work on the performance lasted about a year, with short breaks due to the fact that the composer was also composing the Third Symphony during this period.
- Many admirers of Tchaikovsky's work wonder what could have inspired him to write such a heartfelt and beautiful music? There is an opinion that this is the merit of the lake in the Cherkasy region, where swans live. The composer rested there for several days, admiring the local nature. But in Germany they are sure that the ballet tells specifically about Swan Lake, which is located near the city of Vossen.
- Initially, prima Anna Sobeshchanskaya was chosen for the premiere in 1876, but she had a strong quarrel with the composer, so this role was offered to Polina Karpakova. As it turned out, the reason for the conflict that arose was that I was not satisfied with the absence of at least one solo in Act 3 dance number. There is information that Sobeshchanskaya even went specifically to M. Petipa and asked to insert a solo to his music into this action. If the choreographer complied with her request, the composer flatly refused to insert a fragment of music that was not his own. Soon Tchaikovsky offered to resolve the conflict and wrote a solo for her, a little later variations were added to it.
- The estimate for the premiere screening of “Swan Lake” was very small and amounted to about 6,800 rubles.
- The famous critic Hermann Laroche noted the music of the ballet after the premiere, but he called everything related to the dance side “boring and poor.”
- Only the work of the artist Carl Waltz, who specially developed a technology that provides the illusion of fog using steam, received praise from journalists.
- Researchers suggest that the literary source may be based on: the fairy tale “Swan Pond”, “The Stolen Veil” by Mazues, as well as an ancient German legend.
- Lev Ivanov, while working on the ballet, rethought the costumes of the dancers, removing the swan wings to free up their hands, giving them the opportunity to move. He also owns the already legendary “” from the second act.
- The laurels of the best performer of the role of Odetta belong to Pierina Legnani, who performed everything dance moves especially elegant, even 32 fouettés. For the first time in this role she performed on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater.
- Many residents former USSR we remembered this ballet with very disturbing events in the life of the country, because during the August coup that occurred in 1991, this particular performance was broadcast by all television channels.
- In everyone’s favorite cartoon “Well, wait a minute!” (15th issue) shows a parody of the Dance of the Little Swans. At all, classical music can be heard quite often in cartoons . You can find out more about this in a special section.
Popular numbers from the ballet “Swan Lake”
Dance of the little swans - listen
Spanish dance- listen
Odette's Theme - listen
Neapolitan dance - listen
Great Waltz - listen
The history of the creation of “Swan Lake”
In 1875 P.I. Chaikovsky received a very unexpected order from the directorate of the imperial theaters. They invited him to take on “Lake of Swans”, but, as a rule, opera composers at that time almost did not work in the ballet genre, not counting Adan. However, Pyotr Ilyich did not reject this order and decided to try his hand. The composer was offered a script by V. Begichev and V. Geltser for work. It is noteworthy that it was mainly based on various tales and legends in which there are girls turned into swans. By the way, several decades ago the imperial troupe already paid attention to this very plot and even created a custom-made “Lake of Sorceresses.”
Tchaikovsky plunged into his work headlong and approached every step very responsibly. The composer had to study the entire dances, their order, as well as what kind of music should be written for them. He even had to study several ballets in detail in order to clearly understand the composition and structure. Only after all this was he able to start writing music. As for the score, the ballet “Swan Lake” reveals two figurative worlds - fantastic and real, however, sometimes the boundaries between them are erased. A red thread runs through the entire work most tender topic Odette.
In just a year, the ballet score was ready and he began orchestration. Thus, by the autumn of 1876, work had already begun on staging the play, which was entrusted to V. Reisinger. By that time, he had already worked for several years as a choreographer at the Bolshoi Theater. But many of his works, starting in 1873, were a fiasco.
Productions
The long-awaited premiere of Swan Lake in February 1877 was received rather coolly by the public, despite the enormous work done by the entire troupe. Connoisseurs of the time considered this work to be a complete failure and it was soon removed from the stage. The main culprits for such an unsuccessful production were mainly recognized as the choreographer Wenzel Reisinger and Polina Karpakova, who performed the part of Odette.
Almost twenty years later, the management of the imperial theaters again turned their attention to Tchaikovsky’s work in order to stage it in the new season of 1893-1894. Thus already new script The performance was developed by the famous Marius Petipa, and work on it began literally immediately, together with Tchaikovsky. But the sudden death of the composer interrupted this work, and the choreographer himself was deeply shocked by this. A year later, Petipa’s student and assistant staged one picture from the ballet, which was very enthusiastically received by the public. After such success and the highest critical acclaim, the choreographer assigned Ivanov to work on other scenes, and Petipa himself was soon able to return to work on Swan Lake. Undoubtedly, thanks to the efforts of the two directors, the plot of the play was incredibly enriched. Ivanov decided to introduce the White Swan Queen, and Petipa suggested contrasting Odile with her. Thus, the “black” pas de deux from the second act arose.
The new premiere took place in January 1895 in St. Petersburg. It was from this moment that the ballet received well-deserved recognition both among the public and among music critics, and this version was considered the best.
The performance on stage caused incredible delight among the audience Vienna Opera, held in 1964. The performers of the part of Odette - Margot Fonteyn and Siegfried - Rudolf Nureyev were called for an encore eighty-nine times! It is curious that the director of the play was Nuriev himself. In his version, all the action was focused specifically on the prince.
It is worth noting that basically all academic productions of the ballet took the version of L. Ivanov and M. Petipa as a basis. Among subsequent works, it is worth noting the production by V.P. Burmeister in 1953. He introduced new characters and changed it a little storyline. The choreographer also decided to change tragic ending and make it light. But contrary to expectations, the public did not immediately like this innovation. It was believed that it is the tragic ending that gives depth to the interpretation of the entire work.
Among the unusual interpretations, it is worth noting the work of John Normayer, for a production at the Hamburg Ballet. This is already an Illusion, like Swan Lake, where the main character turns into Ludwig II. There is nothing that reminds us of the original source - lakes, swans. Everything that happens around is nothing more than a fantasy of the protagonist’s sick mind.
Also, the work of British choreographer Matthew Bourne, staged in November 1995, is considered to be a rather bold and original version. If initially the idea of replacing all the ballerinas with men caused disapproval of the public, over time, this version became a huge success. As Matthew Bourne himself admits, at first the men left the hall when the dance of the Swan and the Prince began, but soon the audience realized what it was modern choreography and how is it different from classical ballet. It's surprising that this particular version ended up in school curriculum Great Britain.
Directed by Australian choreographer Graham Murphy, Odette is a psychiatric patient and the swans are a figment of her imagination.
The work of Chinese director Zhao Ming is amazing. In his “Swan Lake,” dance takes on a different meaning. This is already closer to acrobatics, and some moves seem simply unrealistic, beyond human capabilities. Another interesting production was performed during the opening of the G20 summit of world leaders in China. There, ballerinas danced on the surface of Lake Xihu, and all movements were immediately reproduced by their holographic copies. The spectacle turned out to be breathtaking.
Among the film adaptations of the play, it is worth noting Herbert Rappoport’s film “Masters of Russian Ballet,” which includes fragments from the production at the Mariinsky Theater. It is curious that in the film “Waterloo Bridge” some of the performance numbers were used to show main character- ballerina Myra Lester. This legendary work also inspired Darren Aronofsky, who directed the psychological thriller Black Swan. It shows all the intrigues that occur in the theater around the distribution of roles.
Despite the initial harsh criticism and resounding success afterwards, numerous changes in plots and scenes, one thing remains unchanged in this ballet - the beautiful, eternal music of P.I., enchanting from the first sounds. Tchaikovsky. It is no coincidence that “Swan Lake” is recognized as the most famous ballet world and is a kind of standard. We invite you to enjoy this masterpiece right now and watch “Swan Lake” by P.I. Tchaikovsky.
Video: watch the ballet “Swan Lake”
Act I
Scene 1
Prince Siegfried's coming of age day is celebrated in an ancient German castle. He is congratulated by friends, courtiers and his mother, the Sovereign Princess. And then they are solemnly knighted. From now on, his life will be determined by duty and valor.
The last toasts are heard in his honor, his peers are looking for his attention, but Siegfried’s soul is worried about other feelings, he dreams of a pure, perfect love. The feast dies down, the guests leave, leaving the prince alone with his thoughts in the twilight of the coming night. He feels someone's shadow next to him, as if some force is beckoning him. It is Fate itself in the form of the Evil Genius to reveal exciting secrets to the prince. Obeying the imperious wave of an invisible companion and vague premonitions, Siegfried rushes into the ideal world of his dreams...
Scene 2
The prince finds himself on the shore of a fantastic lake. In the shimmering reflections of the water, visions of enchanted swan girls appear in front of him. He sees Odette, the most beautiful of them, and freezes, amazed by her beauty. It finally opens up to him romantic ideal. And he swears love and fidelity to Odette.
Act II
Scene 3
Noble brides come to the castle of the Sovereign Princess. The prince must choose one of them and enter into a marriage alliance. Siegfried appears, completely absorbed in memories of Odette. He dances indifferently with girls - no one can compare with his ideal.
Suddenly, a strange knight (another guise - the temptation of the Evil Genius) arrives at the ball with his companion of dazzling beauty and accompanied by a retinue of black swans. This is Odile, Odette's double. Siegfried, deceived by their similarity, rushes towards her. The evil genius experiences the feelings of the prince. Odile captivates and enchants him with her changeable play. Siegfried's doubts are finally dispelled, he calls Odile his chosen one. At the moment of the fatal oath, the shining throne room plunges into darkness and a vision of the beautiful Odette appears before the eyes of those present. Siegfried realizes that he has become a toy in the hands of Fate. Hoping to atone for his betrayal, he desperately rushes after the elusive image of a white swan.
Scene 4
An alarming night on the lake of swans. Odette brings tragic news: the prince broke his oath. There is confusion in Siegfried's soul, he hurries to Odette with a plea for forgiveness. She forgives the young man, but from now on she has no control over her fate.
An evil genius causes a storm, it scatters the heroes, it is impossible for them to unite. Exhausted from his struggle with Fate, Siegfried tries in vain to hold on to the disappearing image. With the first rays of dawn, he is left alone on a deserted shore, near the lake of his dreams.