Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake Suite, Op.20a (James Levine, Wiener Philharmoniker)

P.Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake Suite, Op.20a, with with a theme-and-structure analysis and synchronized sheet music (score)
Performance: James Levine (conductor), Wiener Philharmoniker, 1992/11, Wiener Musikverein, Vienna
Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan

00:00 1. Scène (Swan Theme)
02:46 2. Valse (Waltz)
09:32 3. Danse des Cygnes (Dance of the Swans)
11:03 4. Scène (Pas d'action)
17:59 5. Danse hongroise. Czardas. (Hungarian Dance: Czardas)
20:59 6. Scène Finale (Finale Scene)


OVERVIEW

The Swan Lake Suite is a shorter concert version of music from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet Swan Lake.
It is not the full ballet. Instead, it collects several of the best-known numbers into a set that can be played in a normal orchestra concert.
The suite usually includes the “Swan Theme,” the Waltz, the Dance of the Swans, and other characteristic dances.
The music is lyrical, dramatic, and full of beautiful melodies that immediately create images of the story, even without the dancers.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Tchaikovsky wrote the full ballet Swan Lake in 1875–76, when he was still a relatively young composer.
At the time, Russian ballet music was usually functional and not very artistically ambitious, but Tchaikovsky wanted to bring symphonic quality to ballet.
When the ballet first premiered in 1877, it was not a success. The choreography and production were weak, and the brilliance of the music wasn’t appreciated yet.
Over time, the ballet became one of the most famous in the world, especially after new choreography by Petipa and Ivanov in 1895, after Tchaikovsky’s death.
The Suite (Op. 20a) was assembled later so that orchestras could perform highlights without staging the ballet.

MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The suite shows how Tchaikovsky transformed ballet music into true symphonic art. It has strong themes, rich harmonies, and emotional depth.
The famous “Swan Theme” is one of the most recognizable melodies in all classical music.
The suite also demonstrates Tchaikovsky’s gift for orchestration — the way he uses woodwinds, strings, and brass creates vivid colors and moods.
Each movement has a clear character: elegant waltz, playful dances, mysterious scenes, or dramatic climaxes.
Because of the suite, many people who have never seen the ballet still know the music. It helped make Swan Lake one of the most beloved classical works.



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