04 September 2020 (Fri), 19:00 Moscow theatre "New Opera" - Classical Ballet P.Tchaikovsky "Swan Lake" Ballet in two acts. Russian classical ballet named after M. Petipa
"Swan Lake" is a timeless love story that mixes magic, tragedy and romance.
The most loved and mesmerizing of classical ballets, "Swan Lake" was Tchaikovsky's first. It was composed in 1875 and over 100 years later it remains a favourite with ballet companies regularly performing it throughout the world.
Ballet in two acts and four scenes
Libretto Vladimir Begichev, Vasily Geltzer Choreography Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov
Premiere in February 27, 1877, at the Bolshoi Theater, in Moscow
Length 140 minutes with an interval
Synopsis
ACT I
Scene one The terrace of castle is filled with joy and merriment - Prince
Siegfried is celebrating his coming of age, his courtiers congratulate him while
his mischievous jester entertains the assembles guests. The servants announce
the arrival of his mother the queen, she presents her son with a crossbow for
the hunt. The queen reminds her son that at tomorrow coming of age ball he will
have to choose a bride. Night is fast approaching and the guests take leave,
Siegfried is finally alone with his thoughts and premonitions of what the future
may bring. In the twilight a flock of swans pass over and he rushes to the lake.
Scene two At the lake in the heart of the forest, the
swans having stepped ashore turn into beautiful young girls Siegfried about to
draw his crossbow stops fascinated by their beauty. Odette the swan princess is
startled by Siegfrieds presence, he assures her no harm will come to her. Odette
tells him of her terrible plight. Tells him of her high birth and how she has
fallen under the spell of be a swan and only in the hours of darkness to assume
her human form. She tells him she is bound for eternity by the spell unless an
unblemished youth swears eternal fidelity and marries her. Siegfried realizes
his destiny has changed. Day is breaking, the swans are again swimming on the
lake, Odette bids a sad farewell, Siegfried is left desolate.
ACT II
Scene three The coming of age ball commences at the castle. The young
noblewoman whom the Queen has chosen as prospective brides are presented to
Prince Siegfried, he shows no interest thinking only of Odette. The
entertainment and merrymaking continue until a fanfare announces the arrival of
more guests. Rothbart disguised as a knight sweeps in with his daughter Odille,
Siegfried is dazzled by her beauty and her resemblance to Odette, swears his
love and fidelity... Rothbart the sorcerer triumphs in his deception. Siegfried
horrified at what he has done rushes from the ball and into the night.
ACT III
Scene four At the lakeside Odette tells her fellow swans of Rothbarts
devilish trickery. Siegfried fleeing from the ball arrives at the shore begging
Odette’s forgiveness and telling of his undying love for her. Rothbart appears
and he and his black swans battle with Siegfried and the forces of good until
the light of the dawn breaks and the forces of evil are vanquished. The rising
sun gives birth to new life, happiness and love.