Sir Paul McCartney admits to being ballet novice

Sir Paul McCartney, who has premiered his debut ballet score in New York, has admitted he has scant knowledge of the art form.

The musician, speaking exclusively to BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz, said: "I don't know much about ballet... I kind of know Swan Lake and The Nutcracker."

Sir Paul added he was "a bit nervous" ahead of the New York City Ballet's gala premiere of Ocean's Kingdom.

"But we put a lot of work into it, so I think we're good. I like it."

Explaining why he'd ventured into ballet at the age of 69, the former Beatle said: "I'm the kind of person who, if I get an offer that's exciting or unusual, I would tend to go 'yes' and then think later about what I'd bitten off."

Peter Martins, master-in-chief of the New York City Ballet, was full of praise for the former Beatle, calling their collaboration "one of the greatest I've ever had".

"In a funny way, the fact that he was not familiar with the ballet world meant that he was not burdened with the history.

"So he would have wild ideas and I'd think, 'we haven't done it that way before'. It's been great."

Sir Paul acknowledged he had started to learn more about ballet after accepting the commission, which he called a "fresh challenge".

"I put together some music which I thought would be good to dance to, and explored that trail.

"I've brought my ideas about what a good night out at the ballet should be. I ask myself what I'd want to see and try to paint that picture musically."