I love Kirov Classics Maryinsky Ballet
A wonderful DVD!
This disc is a collection of short ballet vignettes that pays tribute to the Kirov dance rs and the magnificent choreography they have been given to perform. The dance s range from the traditional to more modern pieces and it is this variety that gives the entire presentation a well rounded, balanced feel ; there is something here for all tastes.
Although all the works on this disc have some special qualities, the following are some of my favorites:
-"Chopiniana" , featuring Altynai Asylmuratova, Konstantin Zaklinsky and the corps de ballet; I wonder if Chopin would have ever believed his music would be the accompaniment for this serene, beautiful dance .
-The surreal, starry setting for Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" seemed a perfect backdrop for Yelena Yevteeva and Eldar Aliev to perform their sensual, almost contortionistic dance .
-"Le Corsaire" features Faroukh Ruzimatov with, as always, his unbelieveable leaps and expressive dancing .
Highlight of the disc:...
Without question, the "The Fairy Doll" with Larissa Lezhnina as the beautiful doll, pursued relentlessly by the two love struck mime-clowns. (performed by Dmitry Gruzdev and Yaroslav Fadayev) This is the comical side of ballet at it's best: the two guys are magnificent as they attempt to outdo each other as they vie for her affection. All three part icipants of this work show grace, balance, athleticism and an unbelieveable sense of timing that make this difficult performance look simplistically easy.
All in all, a DVD featuring great choreography and top quality dancing by the Kirov. Highly recommended!
Directed by Vinogradov, this is definitly one of my favorite ballet DVDs. Barber's Adagio is a must-have, and The Fairy Doll always cheers me up. Unique and wonderful ballets, they are short enough to keep you interested.
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ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent mixed bill program of ballet performed by a strong stable of Kirov dancers who achieved their notariety and acclaim during the late eighties and nineties. The depth of skill and artistry displayed by principals, soloists and corp de ballet alike here on this DVD is quite remarkable and well showcased in a diverse program that ranges from Les Syphlides, Le Corsaire pas de deux and Maritenka pas de six. Also on the DVD are lesser well known but equally well performed ballets of The Fairy Doll and Petruska. The DVD is anchored by a phenomenal performance of Paquita, led by Yulia Mahklina and Igor Zalensky and enhanced by the precision and elegance of other company members as they dance the various solos, pas de trois and ensemble segments of this ballet. The DVD is worth adding to any home collection for this Paquita alone.Each of the performances was not taped before a live audience so the applause and accolades that would otherwise be due to the dancers if they had performed live is absent from the recordings. The scenery for most of the ballets are by and large traditional (except for the Stravinsky piece) and did not detract from the dancers' performances. I find it a pity that there are no bonus materials on the DVD containing any company, ballet or dancer information. Its frustrating enough to only be given the opportunity to see the Kirov perform here in the States only once every few years, but to deny information on dancers or the company in a medium such as a DVD seems to be a wasted opportunity to elevate the Kirov to its rightful place as one of the world's premier ballet companies.The performances portrayed on this DVD will only provide Kirov fans with further ammunition to claim the Kirov as the standard bearer for all other ballet companies. It is an enjoyable DVD that deserves to be watched over and over. Don't miss out and add this to your collection sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful DVD!
ReplyDeleteThis disc is a collection of short ballet vignettes that pays tribute to the Kirov dancers and the magnificent choreography they have been given to perform. The dances range from the traditional to more modern pieces and it is this variety that gives the entire presentation a well rounded, balanced feel ; there is something here for all tastes.
Although all the works on this disc have some special qualities, the following are some of my favorites:
-"Chopiniana" , featuring Altynai Asylmuratova, Konstantin Zaklinsky and the corps de ballet; I wonder if Chopin would have ever believed his music would be the accompaniment for this serene, beautiful dance.
-The surreal, starry setting for Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" seemed a perfect backdrop for Yelena Yevteeva and Eldar Aliev to perform their sensual, almost contortionistic dance.
-"Le Corsaire" features Faroukh Ruzimatov with, as always, his unbelieveable leaps and expressive dancing.
Highlight of the disc:...
Without question, the "The Fairy Doll" with Larissa Lezhnina as the beautiful doll, pursued relentlessly by the two love struck mime-clowns. (performed by Dmitry Gruzdev and Yaroslav Fadayev) This is the comical side of ballet at it's best: the two guys are magnificent as they attempt to outdo each other as they vie for her affection. All three participants of this work show grace, balance, athleticism and an unbelieveable sense of timing that make this difficult performance look simplistically easy.
All in all, a DVD featuring great choreography and top quality dancing by the Kirov. Highly recommended!
If one is a great listener of ballet music then this is the video for them. The dancing is great and I have seen better but with the music, this in my opinion, is the best video you can get which combines both. The music just keeps haunting my every waking moment as it is so melodic.
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