Swan Lake by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, was composed 1875–1876. The scenario, initially in four acts, was fashioned from Deutsch folk tales. The choreographer of the original production was Julius Reisinger. The ballet was premièred 1877 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. . January 15, 1895 at the Mariinsky Theatre performance was staged again. Choreography by Marius Petipa and owned by Lev Ivanov, who has become a classic.
PROGRAM NOTES ACT I
Scene 1
The Garden of Prince Siegfried’s Castle
Prince Siegfried has come of age and entered upon a new world of affairs of war and the burdens of manhood. It is the day for leaving behind the whims and caprice of youth. A happy day for the Prince, though touched by anxiety. The kindly jester and tutor who have been the Prince’s loving companions since his childhood are the first to congratulate him. He greets his companions and joyfully accepts the congratulations of all the residents of the Castle.
The Prince’s subjects come from far and wide to take part in the festivities. They confer upon him the sword and scepter of authority and swear allegiance to their new ruler. His mother, the Queen Mother of the Realm, presents him with an arbalest as a gift and reminds him that the time has come to choose a bride and that he must make the fateful decision at tomorrow’s ball. He is eager to contemplate this life change in silence. The festivities continue, but the Prince is overcome by a desire to be alone, far from his guests. As he begins to search the contents of his heart he notices a flight of white swans heading toward the nearby lake. He is inspired and follows them there, disappearing into the night.