 
Written by Michael Williamson The scene is set in medieval Germany. In the garden surrounding the castle of Prince Siegfried and his mother, villagers and courtiers are gathered to celebrate Siegfried's coming-of-age. He is welcomed by his tutor Wolfgang and his friend Benno. A group of village girls come forward and, accompanied by their swains, commence a brilliant waltz. The Princess-Mother enters and reproaches her son for passing his time in riotous living: during tomorrow's ball he must choose a bride from the eligible princesses who have been invited. After the Princess-Mother has departed, the festivities continue. Wolfgang's attempts at dancing arouse laughter: he tries to kiss one of the girls, but she eludes his grasp and he kisses her village swain instead. A general dance with goblets concludes the celebration. A flock of swans is seen to pass across the evening sky; at his friend's suggestion, the Prince and Benno lead the hunt for birds. A forest glade by a lake, with a ruined building at one side. The swans, led by one wearing a crown, glide across the water. The huntsmen enter and move further into the forest while the Prince remains by the lake side. A beautiful maiden, Odette, appears and begs Siegfried to stay the hunt: she and the other swans live under the spell of the evil sorcerer Rothbart; only between midnight and dawn are they able to regain their human form. A vow of eternal love, expressed by one who is willing to die for her, can relinquish the curse. Siegfried, enraptured by Odette's beauty, declares his love and begs her to attend the ball upon the following evening. While she explains that she can only attend after midnight, Rothbart appears in the guise of an owl and conceals himself in the ruins. The Swan Queen's companions enter; their dances are followed by a pas de deux for Odette and Siegfried. Day breaks, and the girls reassume the form of swans. Odette sadly bids farewell to her Prince. As the first light of dawn appears in the east, the swans pass silently across the lake. The ballroom of the castle. The Master-of-Ceremonies introduces six princesses; Siegfried joins the distinguished visitors. After he has told his mother that none of the girls has pleased him, Rothbart enters in disguise, accompanied by his daughter Odile, Odette's evil double. Siegfried, completely deceived, welcomes her as the ball continues with a divertissement of national dances. When he claims Odile as his chosen bride, Rothbart demands that the Prince swear eternal fidelity to his daughter. Siegfried swears the oath. Odette, in the form of a swan, is seen at the window which flies open and is shattered in pieces. Triumphantly Rothbart reveals his and his daughter's true identity; they vanish, while Siegfried rushes into the night in search of Odette. At the lakeside, Odette's companions await their Queen's return in a mood of sadness. Odette enters in despair. As Siegfried approaches, Rothbart conjures up a storm. The Prince begs for forgiveness: Odette tells him that they will never meet again but Siegfried prevents her from joining her companions in the ruin, and snatching her crown from her head throws it into the raging lake. The lovers are engulfed in the waters. The storm subsides, and a flock of white swans is seen on the lake.
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