BALLET ON DVD
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The Bolshoi Ballet
Romeo and Juliet / Galina Ulanova, Leonid Lavrovsky, Bolshoi Ballet (1954)
Here is the legendary Galina Ulanova in a historic performance with the Bolshoi Ballet. This a very lush production of the ever popular ballet. Choreography by Leonid Lavrovsky. Orchestra conducted by world famous Gennadi Rozhdestvensky. The film is rich in detail, with lovely interior, fine location work and filled with dramatic power. Ulanova plays an unforgettable Juliet with Yuri Zhdanov as her Romeo. The great ballet is filmed paying great attention to all the values: choreographic, musical and scenic.
In this re-mastered version the narration, that earlier interrupted Prokofiev's score at critical points in the ballet, is eliminated.
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Swan Lake / Maya Plisetskaya, Nikolai Fadeyechev, Bolshoi Theatre (1957)
This Swan Lake is a treasure, a record of a great artist in her prime – Maya Plisetskaya.
Swan Lake is probably the best known, best loved of all the classical ballets. Swan Lake tells the timeless tale of redemption through love. For a ballerina the dual role of Odette and Odile is a supreme test. Maya Plisetskaya's melting lyricism and superlative technique make her one of the greatest interpreters of the dual role since the ballet's first production over a century ago. She was passionate as Odette and as Odile she was alluring. Peter Tchaikovsky's score was the first in a triumvirate of great ballets. It is the perfect complement to the imaginative choreography that sets Swan Lake apart from anything that had preceded or has followed it. This production was filmed live at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1957 capturing a great ballerina in her prime is an eternal classic. The prince is danced by Nikolai Fadeyechev.
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Spartacus / Natalia Bessmertnova, Vladimir Vasiliev, Maris Leipa, Nina Timofeyeva, Bolshoi Ballet (1977)
In Spartacus the Bolshoi Ballet excels in doing what the Bolshoi is so excellent at: interpret contemporary works whose thematic origins are classic. Vladimir Vasiliev is perfect as Spartacus - dancing with unshakable heroic optimism, exceptional virtuosity and irresistible dynamism. Natalia Bessmertnova, the Bolshoi Ballet's most lyrical and feminine ballerina is seen in one of her finest roles. Yuri Grigorovich’s Spartacus comes into its own here as both ballet and film. The inherent cinematic approach in Grigorovich’s staging of Aram Khachaturian' s score falls perfectly in place. Vladimir Vasiliev dances and acts on a heroic level that is the performance of a lifetime. Marius Liepa matches him on every point magnificently as Crassus. Natalia Bessmertnova and Nina Timofeyeva round out the ballet's great original cast. With its phalanxes confronting the camera head-on and its slow-motion shots of Vasiliev soaring through the sky, the film takes its chances. It is considered one of the best dance films ever made.
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Katia et Volodia (1989)
French documentary by Dominique Delouche, with English sub-titles, on the the great Russian dancers Maximova and Vasiliev.
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Plisetskaya Dances / Maya Plisetskaya, Bolshoi Ballet (1964)
'The film captures the great ballerina at the height of her powers and gives more than a glimpse of what her art was like.' - NY Times.
Maya Plisetskaya, prima ballerina of Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet, is the subject of this documentary. Containing some rare footage of her as a child, it covers the development of her career and shows highlights from some of her greatest roles. Included in this film are scenes from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Spartacus, The Little Humpbacked Horse, Raymonda, The Stone Flower, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote and others.
A fascinating look at a world famous dancer, Plisetskaya Dances chronicles a career which has been little seen in the West, offering some important insights into the Soviet dance world. This film has been the recipient of many international awards.
Narrated In English.
Cast: Vladimir Vasiliev, Dmitri Begak, Yuri Zhdanov, Maris Liepa, Vladimir Tikhonov.
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Anna Karenina / Maya Plisetskaya, Alexander Godunov (1979)
Based on Leo Tolstoy's famous novel and choreographed by Maya Plisetskaya to music by Rodion Shchedrin, this film is a vehicle for the extraordinary talents of Mme. Plisetskaya. Co-starring the spectacular Alexander Godunov as Vronsky, Anna Karenina is a completely cinematic rendering of this acclaimed production, which has never before been seen in the United States. Dealing primarily with the psychological elements of the character of Anna, the ballet is a genuinely remarkable work, beautiful and penetrating.
Cast:
Anna Karenina: Maya Plisetskaya
Vronsky: Alexander Godunov
Karenin: Vladimir Tihonov
Station Master: Yuri Vladimirov
Choreography: Maya Plisetskaya
Composer: Rodion Shchedrin
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Giselle. Ludmilla Semenyaka, Valery Anisimov, Nadezhda Gracheva, The Bolshoi Ballet.
Giselle. Ludmilla Semenyaka, Valery Anisimov, Nadezhda Gracheva, The Bolshoi Ballet.
A more-or-less complete version of Giselle (the act one Peasant Pas de Deux is omitted), filmed as a mixture of documentary and performance. Semenyaka is filmed at home and in the theatre, with her baby son, preparing for the performance, and receiving congratulations afterwards; and there are occasional shots into the wings during the course of the performance, which was filmed at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1993.
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Stars of the Russian Ballet / Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Vakhtang Chabukiani, Boris Asafiev (1953)
We will never see dancers quite like this again. - Clive Barnes.
The first part of this film features Galina Ulanova in excerpts from Tchaikovsky s Swan Lake. Utilizing dazzling special effects, this production takes full advantage of the artistic qualities of the cinema, rather than merely recording the event. This is truly an historical film document, for it is the only extant tape of Ulanova as Odette.
The second part of this three-part ballet film contains a most unusual event, a one-of-a kind sequence in which two of the world s greatest ballerinas, Galina Ulanova and Maya Plisetskaya, dance together in a memorable performance of B.V. Asafiev s ballet, The Fountain Of Bakhchisarai. This is the only filmed record of these two great dancers performing together and it provides a unique opportunity to compare their different styles.
The great Russian dancer Vakhtang Chabukiani, is featured in the third part of this film in a performance of B.V. Asafiev's The Flames Of Paris, which is a colorful homage to the French Revolution. This film also features the soloists and ballet troupe of the Bolshoi Theatre, and soloists, ballet troupe, choir and orchestra of the Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Swan Lake
Odette...Galina Ulanova
Odile...Natalia Dudinskaya
Prince...Konstantin Sergeyev
The Fountain Of Bakhchisarai
Maria...Galina Ulanova
Zarema...Maya Plisetskaya
Girzi...Peter Gussiev
Vaclav...Yuri Zhdanov
The Flames Of Paris
Philippe...Vakhtang Chabukiani
Jeanne...M. Gottlieb
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Maya Plisetskaya - Diva of Dance (2006)
In this combination of performance and documentary, the great Russian ballerina Maya Plisetskaya discusses her extraordinary career and performs excerpts from the many ballets associated with her, including Carmen Suite, Don Quixote, The Dying Swan, Isadora, Laurencia, Raymonda, Romeo and Juliet, Spartacus and a complete performance of Maurice Béjart's Boléro.
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Spartacus - Bolshoi Ballet
Spartacus, the story of a Roman slave’s fight for freedom, is one of the great epic adventure stories. Grigorovich’s choreography fills the huge Bolshoi stage with dynamic scenes of tension and conflict, which give full expression to the virility and strength for which Russia’s male dancers are renowned. Irek Mukhamedov brings to the title role a conviction and assurance made possible only by prodigious technique. His partner is Natalya Bessmertnova, supple and expressive in the love scenes, intensely moving in her final grief. The Bolshoi Ballet with music by Aram Khachaturian, and choreography by Yuri Grigorovich. Production Staged By Yuri Grigorovich with Designs By S.B. Virsaladze. Spartacus: Irek Mukhamedov, Crassus: Mikhail Gabovich, Phrygia: Natalya Bessmertnova, Aegina: Maria Bylova, Gladiator: Mikhail Tsivin. Orchestra Of The Bolshoi Theatre, Conductor Alygis Zhyuraitis.
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Raymonda - Bolshoi Ballet, Ludmila Semenyaka, Irek Mukhamedov
This glorious three-act ballet boasts a magical score by Alexander Glazunov, filled with melody, color and grand effects. Ludmilla Semenyaka is magnificent as the youthfully charming Raymonda and her gallant knight, Jean de Brienne, is superbly portrayed by Irek Moukhamedov. This is a beautiful story of a young couple separated by Jean’s commitment to aid King Andrei II on a campaign. In the midst of all of this, another would-be suitor, a Saracen knight, Abderakhman (played by Gedeminas Taranda) makes a bid for the hand of Raymonda. When she rejects him, he threatens to abduct her. Jean returns just in time to settle this problem in a proper duel. Abderakhman is handily defeated, and Raymonda and Jean are married at the court of King Andrei.
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Bolshoi Ballet in the Park - Divertissements / Irek Mukhamedov, Nina Ananiashvili, Ludmila Semenyaka
The Bolshoi Ballet with Natalia Bessmertnova, Irek Mukhamedov, Nina Ananiashvili, Lyudmila Semenyaka, Nina Semizorova, Alexei Fadeyechev perform Les Sylphides, Spartacus Act II, The Sleeping Beauty Pas de deux, La Bayadère Solo, Swan Lake, Black Swan Pas de deux, Spring Waters, Golden Age Adagio, Don Quixote Grand pas. From The Marquee, Battersea Park, London with The Orchestra of London conducted by Alexander Kopylov.
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Cinderella - Struchkova, Lediakh, Chadarain, Kolpakchi, Maximova, Bolshoi Ballet
This is an outstanding ballet of the timeless fairytale that has captured the hearts of young and old for centuries! Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s classic score, the Bolshoi Ballet performs in this color motion picture from 1961. Filmed with multiple cameras which created long, medium and close-up shots and special effects, this is not simply a "canned" performance, but one in which film, dance and music combine to produce an unforgettable experience. And with Raisa Struchkova in the title role, and a teenaged Yekaterina Maximova in a supporting part, this historic program is a must for ballet lovers everywhere!
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Spartacus - Mukhamedov, Semenyaka, Vetrov, Bilova, Zhuraitis, Bolshoi Ballet
Today Spartacus is generally known in the version of Yuri Grigorovich, who, in his effort to push back the pantomime and return the dance to the fore also made deep changes to the score. The success of Grigorovich’s choreography, first played at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1968, is in no small part down to the spectacular battle scenes and the two virtuoso leading male roles, here embodied through Irek Mukhamedov (Dancer of the Year 1992 chosen by Dance and Dancers and Independent On Sunday, the Gino Tani Dance Award 1992 in Italy, Nijinsky Medal 1998, OBE in the New Years Honours List 2000) and Aleksandr Vetrov.
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Glory of the Bolshoi - Vladimir Vasiliev, Galina Ulanova, Irek Mukhamedov
During the Bolshoi Ballet's first tours abroad in the mid-20th century, Western audiences were brought to their feet by the Bolshoi style - thrilling athleticism that never lost the essential beauty of the dance. Five years research in Russia's film archives has unearthed fascinating footage, much of it never before available in the West, of many of the company's great dancers including Vladimir Vasiliev, Galina Ulanova, Irek Mukhamedov, and many others.
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Trilogy of Ballet - Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet / Bessmertnova, Lavrovsky, Pavlova, Gordeyev, Bolshoi Ballet
Three of the greatest ballets from Russia’s premier company, the Bolshoi, in a special collector’s set. Includes (1) Giselle. Supreme among the romantic ballets, Giselle has never before been delivered with such intensity as in this deeply moving performance, filmed live at the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Stars Natalia Bessmertnova and Mikhail Lavrovsky. Choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich. (2) The Nutcracker. From the stage of the renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, this live recording of the most fantastic Christmas ballet ever is a spectacular treat. The cast is headed by four of Russia’s most legendary soloists—sharing the lead roles: Vladimir Vasiliev and Yekaterina Maximova in the first act, and Vyacheslav Gordeyev and Nadia Pavlova in the second. (3) Romeo and Juliet. the classic ballet in a perfect performance captured on the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, featuring two of Russia’s most legendary soloists, Natalia Bessmertnova and Mikhail Lavrovsky.
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The Nutcracker / Maximova, Vasiliev, Bolshoi (1978)
Famed Bolshoi duo Yekaterina Maximova and Vladimir Vasiliev star in this production of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. Maximova dances the role of Maria, the young girl whose mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer (Victor Levashov) gives her a wooden nutcracker (Vasiliev) for Christmas. When he comes to life, she rescues him from marauding mice and is taken to the Kingdom of Sweets for a series of entertaining divertissements from many nationalities. This production dates from 1987 and the sets and costumes appear to have been in use since well before then. Audio and video quality are rather crude, especially compared to the stunning DVD productions by Patrice Bart and Maurice Bejart. Bart, however, takes liberties with the story line, and Bejart throws it out altogether. Sometimes, all you need is a traditional version of a family holiday favorite, and if you want traditional, it's hard to beat the Bolshoi.
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The Little Humpbacked Horse / Maya Plisetskaya, Vladimir Vasiliev, Bolshoi Ballet (1962)
A captivating fairy tale of a ballet, starring the incomparable Plisetskaya and, as the hero of the story, Vladimir Vasiliev, who once again shines as one of the most charismatic male dancers of his time. The Bolshoi production is highlighted by a magical tour through the land of flying horses, dancing fish and tumbling clowns. Dazzling sets and a fine musical score will delight ballet lovers young and old.
84 minutes, Color
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Anna Karenina / Plisetskaya, Godunov, Bolshoi Ballet (1974)
Seeing Tolstoy's great novel set to dance was a dream of Maya Plisetskaya, but she encountered endless difficulties in finding a choreographer either able or willing to take on the challenge. Never one to be easily discouraged, Plisetskaya decided to make her debut as choreographer and set the ballet herself. Utilizing her own dazzling talents as dancer and actress she created a work of stunning dramatic impact. The theatricality of Plisetskaya's creation is matched by Rodion Shchedrin's compelling score. Color, 81 minutes.
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Carmen Suite / Plisetskaya, Fadeyechev, Radchenko, Bolshoi Ballet (1969)
Maya Plisetskaya always dreamed of dancing the role of Carmen and had approached Shostokovich for a score. He demurred out of respect for Bizet’s celebrated opera. It was eventually Plisetskaya’s husband Rodion Shchedrin who agreed to provide the music after seeing some of the initial rehearsals with his wife and the choreographer Alberto Alonso. His Carmen Suite Ballet, based on Bizet, was a perfect complement to Alonso’s choreography and, in its theatricality, a showcase for Plisetskaya’s considerable dramatic gifts. Plisetskaya's Don Jose is the brilliant dramatic dancer, Nicolai Fadeyechv. Sergei Radchenko dances the role of the Bullfighter. The Carmen Suite Ballet, one of the darkest settings of Mérimée’s tragic story, deeply symbolic and overtly sensual, premiered at the Bolshoi Ballet on April 20, 1967. Bonus segments feature Plisetskaya in performances of The Dying Swan, Raymonda Variations, and Bach Prelude.
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Swan Lake / Maya Plisetskaya, Nicolai Fadeyechev, Bolshoi Ballet (1957)
Maya Plisetskaya is universally regarded as one of the supreme ballerinas of the 20th century. In 1957, at her artistic and technical peak, she was filmed in a color production of the Bolshoi Ballet's four-act Swan Lake in the dual role of Odette and Odile. Now available for the first time on DVD, the film captures the essential qualities of Plisetskaya's art. Her lyricism (and those incredible arms) define Odette (the White Swan), while her razor-sharp attacks and brilliant turns demonstrate the malevolence of the Black Swan, Odile. Nicolai Fadeyechev is brilliant as Prince Siegfried. In a rave review, the New York Times critic commented: "This Swan Lake is a treasure."
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Romeo and Juliet / Galina Ulanova, Yuri Zhandov, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Bolshoi Ballet
The sumptuous 1954 Technicolor production of Romeo and Juliet stars Galina Ulanova as a radiant Juliet and Yuri Zhdanov as an ardent Romeo. Upon its initial videocassette release, the New York Times dance critic glowingly reported: "The famed 1954 film version of Leonid Lavrovsky's ballet with the great Galina Ulanova is hors concours {incontestable} as a classic." A DVD extra is Ulanova in the second act pas de deux from Swan Lake. The conductor of the Bolshoi Ballet orchestra is the venerated Gennady Rozhdestvensky.
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Spartacus / Vasiliev, Bessmertnova, Bolshoi Ballet (1979)
The famed 1977 Grigorovich setting of Spartacus starring Vladimir Vasiliev as the heroic slave who leads the unsuccessful revolt against the Romans. Upon the film's release, the New York Times chief dance critic wrote: "Vladimir Vasiliev dances and acts on a heroic level that is the performance of a lifetime. Maris Liepa matches him on every point magnificently as the villain, Crassus. With its phalanxes confronting the camera head-on and its slow-motion shots of Vasiliev soaring through the sky, the film takes its chances. It is also one of the best dance films ever made." Natalia Bessmertnova dances the role of Phrygia with melting lyricism. Also features Nina Timofeyeva. 95 min. Color.
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Romeo and Juliet / Bessmertnova, Mukhamedov, Sharkov, Vetrov, Zhuraitis, Bolshoi (1989)
Why should anybody buy another Romeo and Juliet DVD? The reason: The Bolshoi at the Bolshoi. The outstanding choreography of Yuri Grigorovich focuses mainly on the emotions and the passion of the star-crossed lovers. The intriguing interpretation of this classic ballet provides the perfect setting to showcase for the magnificent Natalya Bessmertnova. As one of Russia’s legendary soloists, the prima ballerina is an enchanting Juliet. Furthermore, Aleksandr Vetrov has to be pointed out for his very impressive and convincing performance as Tybalt.
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Pique Dame and Pasacaglia / Lunkina, Tsiskaridze, Bolshoi Ballet
Roland Petit's version of Pushkin's famous story was originally choreographed for Mikhail Baryshnikov, but Petit was not satisfied with this version and seized the chance to re-choreograph the ballet for the Bolshoi Ballet in 2001, using both a new libretto and a different score (Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony). This recording was made live on stage at the Bolshoi in 2005, with the original cast.
The DVD also includes Petit's Passacaille, to the music of Anton Webern, and 40 minutes of interviews with Petit and his dancers.
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Stars of the Russian Ballet / Plisetskaya, Ulanova, Chabukiani, Dudinskaya, Sergeyev, Gusev, Bolshoi Ballet (1954)
brilliant 1953 compilation of the best in Russian Ballet. Includes the history-making pairing of Galina Ulanova and Maya Plisetskaya in The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Ulanova in an abridged Swan Lake, and the rousing athleticism of The Flames of Paris, a stirring tribute to the French Revolution. Other dancers featured in these performances are V. Chabukiani, N. Dudinskaya, N. Sergeyev, and P. Gusev. The solo dancers are supported by the corps of the Bolshoi Ballet and the Chorus and Orchestra of the Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre. 81 minutes, Color.
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La Fille du Pharaon (The Pharoah's Daughter) / Zakharova, Filin, Alexandrova - Bolshoi Ballet
The Sleeping Beauty - Semizorova, Fadeyechev, Speranskaya, Kopilov, Bolshoi Ballet
Raymonda - Bessmertnova, Vasyuchenko, Taranda, Zhuraitis, Bolshoi Ballet
Giselle / Bessmertnova, Lavorovski, Kozlova, Bolshoi Ballet (1974)
Ivan the Terrible / Mukhamedov, Bessmertnova, Taranda, Zhuraitis, Bolshoi Ballet
The Nutcracker / Natalya Arkhipova, Irek Mukhamedov, Yuri Vetrov, Andrei Sitnikov, Ilze Liepa, Alexander Kopilov, Bolshoi (1989)
The Stone Flower / Nicolai Dorokhov, Lyudmilla Semenyaka, Nina Semizorova, Yuri Vetrov, Aleksander Kopilov, Bolshoi