A March from the work was among the Tsar's favorite pieces, and he often requested that his orchestra play it during Imperial Balls and other social events for the St. Petersburg royalty and nobility.
A group of naiads and nereids rise up from the depth of the lake, while dryads emerge from the trunks of the ancient oaks.
They are joined by wilis, delicate offspring of the clouds, and swans transformed into women who dance around, while ferns clasp them in their feathery arms.
The Morning Star breaks the chains of the captive spirits of the sun so that they can engage in the eternal conflict with the Deities of Darkness.
All nature comes alive; as the trees stir, leaves unfold at the touch of the rays, flowers rise on their erect stalks and open.
Colourful birds dart about, while insects and butterflies perform a song of peace and love in the golden light.
The nations of the Empire are united in giving homage to the Star of the Day, which shines in splendour and radiates happiness and abundance.