Opus Arte

Ballet captures the public imagination in a way unlike other art forms. The analogy of the swan – furious activity belied by poise and insouciant beauty – is implicit to ballet, and is equally analogous of life. Perhaps this is why film makers and the movie going public are as fascinated with ballet as dance aficionados themselves.

7 May 1849 – birth of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  Tchaikovsky is one of the most well-known and well-loved composers to have ever lived. He composed the music for perennial favourites of the ballet cannon The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. He also composed one of the most famous pieces of classical music, the 1812 Overture, which has been immortalised through its association with 4th July celebrations in the United States.