El lago de los cisnes

The work takes place between love and magic, linking the eternal struggle between good and evil in its paintings. It stars Prince Siegfried, in love with Odette, a young woman turned into a swan by the spell of the evil Von Rothbart, and Odile, the black swan and daughter of the sorcerer.

It is based on a legend that tells how young girls are turned into swans by an evil magician, Von Rothbard. At night they regain their human form. Prince Siegfried goes hunting with his friends and meets Odette, the queen of the swan girls, who tells him of her sad fate and that of her spellbound companions. She confesses to him that only a promise of love that goes as far as marriage can end the enchantment. Siegfried vows to make this promise at the feast to be held the next day at the palace where he is to choose his wife.

At this party, Siegfried thinks he recognises Von Rothbard and Odette, but in reality the magician has brought his daughter Odile, disguised as Odette, but dressed in black (at this moment the famous "Paso a dos del Cisne Negro" is performed). Siegfried, unaware of the deception, swears his love to what he believes to be Odette and betrays his true beloved, whom he sees weeping through one of the palace windows. Von Rothbard and his daughter have triumphed.

Because of this supposed betrayal, Odette has decided to die rather than remain a swan forever. But Siegfried begs her forgiveness, and triumphs in a final fight against Rothbard, his love for Odette prevailing.