Premiere of Tchaikovsky's 'The Sleeping Beauty' (1890)

The premiere of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Sleeping Beauty' occurred on 15 January 1890 at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The work, Opus 66, was completed in 1889 and featured choreography by Marius Petipa. The event marked a significant moment in ballet history, receiving favorable press accolades. The creative team included composer Tchaikovsky and choreographer Petipa, with the scenario based on Perrault's tale.

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Background and detail

Background. Tchaikovsky's 'The Sleeping Beauty' is a ballet in a prologue and three acts, his Opus 66, completed in 1889. The original scenario was by Ivan Vsevolozhsky, adapted from Charles Perrault's 'La belle au bois dormant'. The ballet was commissioned by the director Vsevolozhsky, who asked Tchaikovsky to compose the score for Petipa's choreography. Tchaikovsky began initial sketches in winter 1888 and orchestration in May 1889.

Creative Team. The choreographer was Marius Petipa, ballet master of the Imperial Ballet, who provided detailed instructions for musical requirements. The scenario was by Ivan Vsevolozhsky. The music was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a Russian composer of the Romantic period. The premiere was staged at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.

Reception. The ballet's premiere received more favorable accolades from the press than 'Swan Lake'. However, Tchaikovsky did not witness his work become an instant success in theatres outside of Russia. The event established 'The Sleeping Beauty' as one of the most famous ballets of all time.

People involved

Sources

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