Beschrijving

In the letters of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky the ballet theme occupies a rather modest place compared to opera for example. But, in spite of the laconicism and restraint which distinguish Tchaikovsky’s opinions about music of his own ballets, the letters of Tchaikovsky present an unusual interest from the standpoint of the evolution of the composer’s view on this art.

Letters of Tchaikovsky’s regarding the instrumentation, orchestration and ballet rehearsals of “The Sleeping Beauty” allow us to follow all phases of his work on the ballet. He used any opportunity to praise Vsevolozhsky’s libretto. Apparently, he valued both his collaboration and that of Marius Petipa. Regarding the ballet “The Sleeping Beauty”, he called it “our ballet”. Working on this ballet he found peace and balance for his soul, which he often lacked during the period in which he wrote “Swan Lake”.

In a letter to Nadezhda von Meck, dated July 25, 1889, he wrote: “…It seems to me, my dear friend, that the music for this ballet will be one of the best of my works. The subject is so poetic, so perfect for music, that while I was creating, I was very carried away and wrote with the warmth and desire which always determines the worth of a work…”