Ballet
Sylvia
Sylvia is a lush mythological ballet that's really famous for its music, which composers like Tchaikovsky openly admired. The story follows a huntress nymph sworn to the goddess Diana and the shepherd who loves her. Ashton's 1952 version revived it as a grand showcase, and it's the one that put the ballet back on the map.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Léo Delibes
- Choreographer
- Multiple versions; the celebrated full-length staging is by Frederick Ashton (1952); premiered 1876, Paris (Louis Mérante)
- Premiere
- 1876, Paris (Mérante); 1952, London (Ashton)
- Structure
- Three acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours
The story
Set in a world of classical gods and nymphs, the ballet follows Sylvia, a huntress devoted to the chaste goddess Diana, and Aminta, the shepherd who falls for her. After Sylvia wounds Aminta and is herself abducted by the hunter Orion, the god Eros intervenes to help the lovers. Through disguise and divine meddling, Sylvia escapes, Diana is appeased, and the couple are finally united in a grand celebratory finale.
What Sylvia is famous for
- Delibes's rich, influential score
- The rousing pizzicato and hunting themes
- Ashton's grand 1952 revival
- A showcase role for a ballerina with range
Companies that perform Sylvia
Sylvia is in the repertoire of companies including The Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sylvia's music so admired?
Delibes's score is famously inventive and tuneful. Tchaikovsky reportedly admired it greatly, which gives you a sense of its reputation among composers.
Which version is usually performed?
The ballet premiered in Paris in 1876 choreographed by Louis Mérante, but Frederick Ashton's 1952 three-act version for the Royal Ballet is the most celebrated and widely revived staging.
Who is Sylvia?
She's a nymph and huntress sworn to the goddess Diana, which means she's pledged to chastity. The drama comes from her falling in love with the shepherd Aminta despite that vow.
Who composed Sylvia?
Sylvia was composed by Léo Delibes.
How long is Sylvia?
Sylvia runs about 2 hours.