What type of composition is Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake?

Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" is indeed classified as a ballet, which is a type of musical composition specifically written to accompany dance. It encompasses a full-length story with choreography, sets, and costumes, complementing the music created by Tchaikovsky, which enhances the emotional and narrative elements of the dance. Ballets are typically structured in a way that integrates music with the physical expression of the dancers, making them an intricate part of the performance.

While the other options represent various forms of orchestral music, they do not align with the characteristics of "Swan Lake." A dramatic overture, program symphony, and tone poem each serve different purposes in classical music, typically focusing on concert performance rather than the theatrical and choreographic elements found in ballet. Thus, recognizing "Swan Lake" as a ballet is essential for understanding Tchaikovsky’s contributions to the music and dance genres.