Major works

Swan Lake, 1877

Poignant story of Prince Siegfried, and the beautiful Odette who is held captive under a spell as a swan.

The Sleeping Beauty, 1889

Ballet with a happy ending as Princess Aurora is woken from her sleep with a kiss from a prince.

The Nutcracker, 1892

Enchanting story of a little girl and her Christmas presents which come to life.

Piano Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Minor, 1875

Heroic, grand tunes.

1812 Overture, 1881

Musical romp, complete with exploding cannons, commemorating Russia’s stand against Napoleon.

Sixth Symphony, ‘Pathétique’, 1893

Melancholic orchestral piece premiered just nine days before he died.