Swan Lake Suite, Op.20a: Study score

by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky considered an orchestral suite from his first great ballet, but never got around to extracting it. An unknown editor compiled the first version, which was issued by Jurgenson in 1900. Muzgiz, the Soviet state publishers produced their own version in 1954, adding 3 dance movements and omitting the finale of the original suite. This newly engraved critical edition by Carl Simpson includes all the movements found in the two previous versions of the suite.

1. Scene
2. Valse
3. Danse de cygnes
4. Pas d'action
5. Danse hongroise
6. Danse espagnole
7. Danse napolitaine
8. Mazurka
9. Scene et Finale

132 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 1999

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.