Premiere of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre

Background. Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky created the score for Swan Lake between 1875 and 1876. Vladimir Begichev commissioned the work in May 1875, providing a fee of 800 rubles. Tchaikovsky completed the composition within one year, demonstrating significant enthusiasm for the project. The ballet was subsequently staged by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow.

Premiere Details. The debut occurred on 4 March 1877 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. This performance was organized as a benefit for the ballerina Pelageya Karpakova, who portrayed Odette. Victor Gillert performed the role of Prince Siegfried. Rehearsal notes from 1876, identified in 2015, provide insight into the nature of this original production.

Production Context. The original 1877 production was choreographed by Julius Reisinger (Václav Reisinger). More generally, from 1867 to 1878 Tchaikovsky combined his professorial duties with music criticism while continuing to compose, a period encompassing the premiere. The premiere was distinct from later revivals that altered the libretto and musical score.