Why was Tchaikovsky first swan lake such a failure that it took him?

Answer 1

Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" premiered in 1877 to a lukewarm reception, primarily due to its unconventional structure and the initial choreography, which did not effectively showcase the music's emotional depth. The lack of a clear narrative and the audience's unfamiliarity with the Ballet genre contributed to its failure. It wasn't until later productions, particularly the 1895 revival by the Imperial Ballet with new choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, that "Swan Lake" gained the acclaim it deserves. This resurgence solidified its status as one of the greatest ballets of all time.