Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – The Sleeping Beauty

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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 7 May 1840 – 6 November 1893

The Sleeping Beauty

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
By Émile Reutlinger – NYPL Digital Gallery — Image ID: 1158492, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118529244

The Sleeping Beauty is a famous ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1889. It features a prologue and three acts, telling the story of Princess Aurora, who falls into a deep sleep due to a curse from the evil fairy Carabosse. The Lilac Fairy, representing good, intervenes to protect Aurora. The ballet premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg on January 15, 1890. Tchaikovsky was inspired by Charles Perrault’s fairy tale, La Belle au bois dormant, and incorporated characters from other stories, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. The ballet showcases the conflict between good and evil, with music that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. Marius Petipa, the choreographer, created intricate dances that reflect the characters’ personalities. The ballet’s themes include love, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil. Over the years, The Sleeping Beauty has been performed worldwide, gaining acclaim for its beautiful choreography and enchanting music. It remains a significant work in the ballet repertoire, illustrating the cultural importance of ballet in storytelling.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, born on 7th May 1840 in Votkinsk, Russia, was a prominent composer of the Romantic era. He is famous for creating iconic works such as the ballets “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker,” as well as the “1812 Overture.” Tchaikovsky was unique as he was the first Russian composer to gain international fame for his music. Initially trained for a civil service career, he later pursued his passion for music at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, graduating in 1865.

Throughout his life, Tchaikovsky faced personal challenges, including struggles with depression and the loss of loved ones. His experiences deeply influenced his compositions, which often demonstrated a blend of Russian traditions and Western styles. Despite various criticisms during his lifetime—some critics doubting the authenticity of his Russian identity—Tchaikovsky’s music continues to resonate with audiences globally. He died on 6th November 1893, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped classical music for generations.

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23 February

Sergei Prokofiev – Cinderella

Thomas Pitts Asia, Bonus Content, Books That Became Music, Europe, Russia Books That Became Music, Cinderella, Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev 27 April [O.S. 15 April] 1891 – 5 March 1953

Cinderella

Sergei Prokofiev
By Bain News Service, publisher. Restored by User:MyCatIsAChonk – Library of CongressCatalog: https://lccn.loc.gov/2014708419Image download: https://cdn.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/28200/28259v.jpgOriginal url: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2014708419/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133424073

Cinderella is a ballet composed by Sergei Prokofiev, based on a story by Nikolai Volkov. It premiered on 21 November 1945 at the Bolshoi Theatre. The ballet is famous for its beautiful music and enchanting story. Cinderella lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, who make her do all the chores. Despite her difficult life, she remains kind-hearted. One day, a beggar woman appears, and Cinderella offers her help. In return, the beggar woman reveals herself as Cinderella’s fairy godmother. With magic, she transforms Cinderella’s rags into a stunning gown and a pumpkin into a carriage, allowing her to attend the Spring Ball. At the ball, Cinderella captivates the Prince, but she must leave before midnight when the magic ends. In her haste, she loses a glass slipper. The Prince searches the kingdom for the owner of the slipper, determined to find Cinderella. When he arrives at her home, her stepsisters try to fit into the slipper, but fail. Finally, Cinderella tries it on, and it fits perfectly. The Prince and Cinderella are reunited, and they live happily ever after. This story teaches us about kindness, resilience, and the importance of inner beauty.

Sergei Prokofiev was a famous Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, known as one of the major musical figures of the 20th century. He wrote in many genres, including seven symphonies, eight ballets, seven operas, major concertos, and nine piano sonatas. His best-known works include Peter and the Wolf, Romeo and Juliet, Lieutenant Kijé, and the March from The Love for Three Oranges. Prokofiev showed talent early, composing as a child and studying at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he became known as a bold and modern composer. Before and during the Russian Revolution, he created striking works like the Classical Symphony and collaborated with cultural figures like Sergei Diaghilev. In 1917, he left Russia and lived in the United States, Germany, and Paris, building an international career. He returned to the Soviet Union in 1936, producing famous works like Cinderella and the War Sonatas. Prokofiev’s life became difficult in the late 1940s due to Soviet policies, but he continued to compose until his death on 5 March 1953, the same day as Stalin.