History Swan Lake
1 history 1.1 origins of swan lake story 1.2 composition history 1.2.1 origins of swan lake composition 1.2.2 tchaikovsky s influences 1.2.3 composition process 1.3 performance history 1.3.1 original production of 1877 1.3.2 tchaikovsky pas de deux 1877 1.3.3 subsequent productions 1879–1894 1.3.4 petipa–ivanov–drigo revival of 1895 1.3.5 later productions history origins of swan lake story many critics have disputed original source of swan lake story. libretto based on story german author johann karl august musäus, der geraubte schleier (the stolen veil), though story provides general outline of plot of swan lake. russian folktale white duck bears resemblance story of ballet, , may have been possible source. contemporaries of tchaikovsky recalled composer taking great interest in life story of bavarian king ludwig ii, tragic life had supposedly been marked sign of swan , who—either consciously or not—was chosen prototype of dreamer prince siegfried. the russian ballet patriarch fy...