Ru
EnD. Lyubimov
“The Swan” by С. Saint-Saëns in the choreographic interpretations by M. Fokine and A. Miroshnichenko
This article examines two choreographic interpretations of Camille Saint-Saëns’ instrumental piece “The Swan”, created by Mikhail Fokine (1907) and Alexey Miroshnichenko (2014). The study traces the history of productions titled “The Dying Swan”, listing the original performers (Anna Pavlova, Inna Bilash, Stepan Demin). The research identifies the distinctive features of imagery and the plastic embodiment of Saint-Saëns’ music on the ballet stage. A detailed analysis of Fokine’s choreographic explication of “The Dying Swan” sheds light on his approach to working with the musical material. The article also explores the concept of higher-order choreographic rhythm. Miroshnichenko’s miniature is noted for its analytical approach to musical form and expressive means, including melodic rises and falls, sequential repetitions, modulations to minor keys, and climactic points. The article also discusses the incorporation of elements of classical ballet technique, which in Miroshnichenko’s work are combined with a modernized performance style. Certain duet combinations in his choreography are compared to the sculptural compositions of Auguste Rodin. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of instrumental accompaniment, costumes, and stage design in both productions. As a result of this research, the author concludes that Fokine and Miroshnichenko present original narratives based on the organic fusion of music and movement. Despite the differences and independence of their choreographic interpretations of “The Swan”, points of convergence between the two artistic visions can be traced. The article includes archival materials from the Saint Petersburg Theater Library, exclusive photographs from Miroshnichenko’s production, and costume sketches of the swans from the personal archive of artist Tatyana Noginova.
Key words
Camille Saint-Saëns, instrumental cycle “The Carnival of the Animals”, piece “The Swan”, Michel Fokine, Alexey Miroshnichenko, choreographic miniature “The Dying Swan”.
For citation
Lyubimov D. “The Swan” by С. Saint-Saëns in the choreographic interpretations by M. Fokine and A. Miroshnichenko. In: South-Russian Musical Anthology. 2025. No. 1. Pp. 141–152.
