"Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty": Suites from the Ballets in Full Score

by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

His supreme gift of melody assures Tchaikovsky (1840–93) of an enduring place in the hearts of performers and audiences worldwide. This quality, his delight in music for dance, and his masterly orchestration come together in the important works he composed for ballet.
Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty spotlight Tchaikovsky at his very best. Staples of the repertoire in ballet companies after a century of constant productions, these works still thrill audiences with their sweeping romanticism, lush melodies, musical invention, and brilliant evocations of theatrical atmosphere.
This volume contains the full orchestral suites from both ballets, reproduced in full score from authoritative editions. Now musicians and music lovers can study and enjoy these enchanting works in one handsome, high-quality edition.

Genres: Scores

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 1997

About the author

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Russian: Петр Ильич Чайковский) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian: plangent, introspective, with modally-inflected melody and harmony.

Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but internationally, which he would eventually do.