The Seasons (ballet)

The Seasons is a one-act ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Alexander Glazunov. It premiered on February 7, 1900 (O.S. January 26) at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The ballet is structured around allegorical representations of the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

The libretto, written by Petipa, depicts the changing seasons through a series of dances and scenes involving various personifications and creatures associated with each season. These often include characters such as Zephyr, Flora, and the frost and snow spirits. Each season is typically represented by a principal dancer, supported by a corps de ballet acting as elements of the specific season (e.g., snowflakes in Winter, flowers in Spring).

Glazunov’s score is a well-known and often performed work, even outside the context of the ballet. It is characterized by its melodic richness and vibrant orchestration, capturing the distinct mood and atmosphere of each season.

The Seasons is considered a classic of Russian ballet and has been revived and restaged by numerous ballet companies throughout the world. Variations and adaptations of the original choreography and libretto exist, reflecting the artistic interpretations of different choreographers and directors. The ballet's enduring popularity stems from its charming story, beautiful music, and opportunities for showcasing classical ballet technique.