5 famous ballet authors and their biographies. A dream in a summer night
No matter how you look at it, you can’t ignore it famous masterpiece Russian composer in four acts, thanks to whom the German legend of the beautiful swan girl was immortalized in the eyes of art connoisseurs. According to the plot, the prince, in love with the swan queen, betrays her, but even the realization of the mistake does not save either him or his beloved from the raging elements.
Image main character– Odettes – as if complementing the gallery of female symbols created by the composer during his life. It is noteworthy that the author of the ballet plot still remains unknown, and the names of the librettists have never appeared on any poster. The ballet was first presented back in 1877 on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, but the first version was considered unsuccessful. The most famous production– Petipa-Ivanov, which became the standard for all subsequent performances.
The best ballets in the world: “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky
Popular on New Year's Eve, the ballet for children “The Nutcracker” was first presented to the public in 1892 on the stage of the famous Mariinsky Theater. Its plot is based on Hoffmann's fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”. The struggle of generations, the confrontation between good and evil, the wisdom behind the mask - deep philosophical meaning fairy tales dressed in bright musical images, understandable to the youngest viewers.
The action takes place in winter, on Christmas Eve, when all wishes can come true - and this gives additional charm to the magical story. In this fairy tale, everything is possible: cherished desires will come true, masks of hypocrisy will fall, and injustice will definitely be defeated.
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The best ballets in the world: “Giselle” by Adana
"The love that stronger than death“- perhaps the most accurate description of the famous ballet in four acts “Giselle”. The story of a girl dying from ardent love who gave her heart to someone engaged to another bride noble young man, is so vividly conveyed in the graceful steps of the slender Wilis - brides who died before the wedding.
The ballet was a tremendous success from its first production in 1841, and over the course of 18 years, 150 theatrical performances of the work by the famous French composer were given on the stage of the Paris Opera. This story so captivated the hearts of art connoisseurs that an asteroid discovered at the end of the 19th century was even named after the main character of the story. And today our contemporaries have taken care of preserving one of the greatest pearls of the classical work in film versions of the classic production.
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The best ballets in the world: “Don Quixote” by Minkus
The era of great knights has long passed, but this does not at all prevent modern young ladies from dreaming of meeting Don Quixote of the 21st century. The ballet accurately conveys all the details of the folklore of the inhabitants of Spain; and many masters tried to stage the story of noble chivalry in a modern interpretation, but it was precisely classical production has been decorating the Russian stage for one hundred and thirty years.
Choreographer Marius Petipa was able to skillfully embody in dance the entire flavor of Spanish culture through the use of elements national dances, and some gestures and poses directly indicate the place where the plot unfolds. The story has not lost its significance today: even in the 21st century, Don Quixote skillfully inspires warm-hearted young people capable of desperate acts in the name of goodness and justice.
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The best ballets in the world: Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet
Immortal story of two loving hearts, united only after death forever, is embodied on stage thanks to Prokofiev’s music. The production took place shortly before the Second World War, and we must pay tribute to the dedicated craftsmen who resisted the customary order at that time, which also reigned in the creative sphere of the Stalinist country: the composer preserved the traditional tragic ending of the plot.
After the first great success that awarded the performance Stalin Prize, there were many versions, but literally in 2008 the traditional production of 1935 took place in New York with a happy ending unknown to the public until that moment famous story.
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Enjoy watching!
Onegin
Main stage
The grandiose ballet Onegin, choreographed by the legendary John Cranko, can be seen on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. The plot of Pushkin’s immortal poem, embodied in dance, has delighted audiences all over the world for five decades. Today you have a unique opportunity to see this production on the Moscow stage.
Giselle
Giselle is one of the pearls of world ballet art. On the stage of the Bolshoi Theater this performance went through hundreds of performances. Today, capital audiences can see the legendary ballet choreographed by the outstanding Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich.
Flame of Paris
Main stage
Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky returned to the stage the ballet Flame of Paris, which was successfully performed in domestic musical theaters in the 30-50s of the 20th century. A new version This performance received the approval of the public and for more than ten years “The Flames of Paris” has graced the repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater.
Sylphide
Main stage
The ancient ballet La Sylphide is one of the greatest works world ballet art. Moscow spectators have a unique opportunity to see this performance on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in the original choreography of August Bournonville, which was embodied on stage by the premiere of the Royal Danish Ballet and Royal Theater Covent Garden Johan Kobborg.
Light stream
Main stage
The production of the ballet “Bright Stream” came as a surprise to the capital’s audience. The work, written in the mid-30s and dedicated to socialist everyday life, was in complete oblivion for many decades. But the Bolshoi Theater staff gave the ballet new life and created an extraordinary performance, decorated with beautiful music and high performing arts of the leading soloists of the ballet troupe.
Parsley
Main stage
The famous ballet by Igor Stravinsky, dedicated to the character of traditional Russian performances, can be seen on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in the original choreography of Mikhail Fokin, restored through the efforts of Andris Liepa. In this bright and exciting production, the main roles are performed by bright stars of the Russian ballet scene.
Premiere
Legend of love
Historical scene
The ballet, which ran triumphantly for several decades, Soviet scene, returned to the repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater. The play The Legend of Love, staged by the outstanding choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, features enchanting dance numbers, vibrant scenography and the magical charm of the ancient Persian legend.
Don Quixote
Historical scene
Tickets for the ballet Don Quixote will take you into the world of Spanish surroundings on the historical stage of the Bolshoi Theater. Viewers will see a ballet by Ludwig Minkus to a libretto by Marius Petipa based on the novel of the same name by Miguel de Cervantes.
Parisian fun
Main stage
Parisian Fun is a vibrant ballet medley to the music of Jacques Offenbach, staged by the outstanding choreographer of our time, Maurice Bejart. For the first time, the Bolshoi Theater turns to the work of the legend modern ballet and presents one of his most cheerful productions.
Premiere
Symphony in C major.
Main stage
main topic This plotless ballet features the interaction of dance and music, the interweaving of choreographic compositions, and the virtuoso skill of the soloists. Two ensembles of dancers begin this performance, which ends with 48 dancers on stage performing an expressive final dance.
Premiere
The Taming of the Shrew
Main stage
Any production Jean-Christophe Maillot becomes a bright event and arouses interest among fans of ballet art. Muscovites have a unique opportunity to see the play The Taming of the Shrew, which the famous choreographer staged in 2014 together with the Bolshoi Theater troupe.
Esmeralda
Historical scene
On the stage of the Bolshoi Theater is the wonderful ballet Cesar Pugni, based on Victor Hugo's novel The Cathedral Notre Dame of Paris. In Russia, this production is known in the choreography of the outstanding choreographer Marius Petipa, who created dozens of wonderful ballet productions on the stage of the best musical theaters in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Premiere
Giselle (English National Ballet)
Main stage
The legendary ballet Giselle will appear on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in a wonderful production of the English National Ballet. One of the most influential choreographers of our time, Akram Khan, created his own version of the famous work by Adolphe Adam, which was already appreciated by European audiences.
Raymonda
Historical scene
Raymonda is one of the most popular ballet performances. The ballet was repeatedly staged on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, each time arousing great interest among the capital's public. Today you can see “Raymonda” in a wonderful production by the outstanding Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich.
Krasavin-Samodurov
Main stage
The performance Krasavin - Samodurov will primarily be of interest to connoisseurs of modern ballet dance. The production of the famous Russian choreographer Vyacheslav Samodurov to the music of Yuri Krasavin surprises with its original plastic solutions and virtuoso skill of the performers, among whom are the bright stars of the Bolshoi Theater ballet troupe.
Premiere
Coppelia
Main stage
The classical ballet “Coppelia” was staged on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in the original choreography of the outstanding choreographer Marius Petipa. This performance became a highlight in cultural life capital and today it is one of the most popular in the repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater.
Peer Gynt
Main stage
Alfred Schnittke's ballet Peer Gynt is presented at the Bolshoi Theater staged by the outstanding choreographer John Neumeier. The premiere of the second edition of the ballet took place in Hamburg in 2015, and now this bright and emotional performance can be seen by capital connoisseurs of ballet art.
Premiere
Pygmalion effect. Ballet by Boris Eifman
Historical scene
Boris Eifman's tragicomic ballet, based on Bernard Shaw's famous play Pygmalion, is distinguished by its subtle character development, sophistication of choreographic numbers and skill of the performers. This production in Bolshoi Theater presented by the Boris Eifman Ballet Theater.
Premiere
Boris Eifman's ballet Up & Down (Tender is the Night)
Historical scene
The performance "Up & Down" at the Bolshoi, tickets for which you can purchase on our website right now, will open the capital's tour of the famous St. Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theater in the fall. Its permanent leader Boris Eifman will finally present his new production, which premiered at the end of January on stage Alexandrinsky Theater and has already received many enthusiastic responses.
sleeping Beauty
Historical scene
The legendary ballet of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky returned to the Bolshoi Theater stage. This wonderful performance was staged in a choreographic version by the famous choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, based on the classical choreography of Marius Petipa.
Premiere
Past
Nutcracker
Historical scene
The Nutcracker premiered on March 12, 1966. Composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Libretto by Yuri Grigorovich. based on the fairy tale by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann. Motifs from Marius Peptipus are used. BALLET IN TWO ACTS
Swan Lake
Historical scene
The battle of light and dark will more than once make the heart tremble in the hope of happiness and break on the sharp stones of disappointment in the rhythm of the waves of a mysterious mountain lake. The ballet uses fragments of choreography by Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov and Alexander Gorsky.
Marco Spada
Historical scene
The legendary ballet by Marco Spada will finally be staged at the Bolshoi Theater, and this event has been awaited for a long time. Ballet fans in Lately have become quite active, since this phenomenon is out of the ordinary.
Lady with camellias
Historical scene
The legendary ballet production by John Neumeier on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater - this is the bewitching music of Frederic Chopin, beautiful scenery and tragic story love told in the language of dance. Don't miss this masterpiece of modern ballet art!
Spartacus
Historical scene
The legendary ballet Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian, staged by the outstanding Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, has been in the repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater for five decades. This bright, dynamic production is rightfully considered one of the masterpieces of world ballet art.
Don Quixote
Historical scene
The capital's theatergoers can see the legendary performance Don Quixote, one of the most popular ballet productions, on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. The success of this ballet lies in the wonderful music of Ludwig Minkus, the polished scenography and the mesmerizing dance numbers performed by leading soloists of the Bolshoi Theater ballet troupe.
Jewelry
Historical scene
Ballet "Jewelry". Ballet in three movements by George Balanchine. The world premiere took place on April 13, 1967 in New York. At the Mariinsky Theater - October 30, 1999. GEORGE BALANCHINE'S BALLET IN THREE PARTS
Karamazovs. Ballet by Boris Eifman
Main stage
Legendary theater Boris Eifman will show the play “The Karamazovs” on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. This production is one of the most striking works in the repertoire of the avant-garde theater, which successfully tours around the world.
Moidodyr
Main stage
The fantasy ballet “Moidodyr” won the First Competition for the creation of large-scale opera and ballet. The chairman of the competition jury, Andrey Eshpai, noted that recently there have been many interesting works modern authors, and, of course, one of the most striking is the ballet “Moidodyr” by Efrem Podgayets. B BALLET-FANTASY IN TWO SCENES
Ivan groznyj
Historical scene
The first Tsar of All Rus', Ivan the Terrible, reigned for 50 years. It is the image of the autocrat that is the key figure in the ballet to the music of Sergei Prokofiev. The era in which he ruled the state is very accurately reflected in this performance. BALLET IN TWO ACTS
Benefit performance of Nikolai Tsiskaridze
Main stage
Nikolai Tsiskaridze's benefit performance is a vibrant performance that includes the best choreographic numbers from the rich repertoire of the famous Russian dancer, who became famous for his performances on stage in the best musical theaters and has an entire army of loyal fans.
Bolt
Main stage
The Bolshoi Theater turned to the “industrial” ballet of Dmitry Shostakovich, which was created in the early 30s and removed from the stage immediately after the premiere. Famous choreographer Alexey Ratmansky created new edition and staged a performance distinguished by its original scenography and talented choreographic numbers.
Cipollino
Main stage
Cipollino is rightfully considered one of the best modern ballets created for children. The performance on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater will feature wonderful music by Karen Khachaturyan, colorful costumes and scenery created by wonderful artist Valery Leventhal and a fabulous story told by the leading soloists of the opera troupe.
La Bayadère
Historical scene
Fans of ballet art have a unique opportunity to see the production of the outstanding Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, who recreated the author’s version of the famous ballet by Marius Petipa on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater.
Pharaoh's daughter
Historical scene
“The Pharaoh's Daughter” is an unusual ballet on an Egyptian theme, in which the best ballerinas of the Bolshoi Theater take part. The ballet was staged by Marius Petipa and revived in 2000 by French director Pierre Lacotte. BALLET IN THREE ACTS
A futile precaution
Main stage
Ballet A futile precaution at the Bolshoi Theater - this is a wonderful gift for true fans of ballet art who will see the brilliant production of Yuri Grigorovich. The main roles in this memorable and talented production are performed by bright stars of the Russian ballet scene.
Corsair
Historical scene
The ancient ballet Corsair has returned to the Bolshoi Theater stage. Today this performance can be seen in the form it was conceived in the mid-19th century. French composer Adolphe Adam and choreographer Marius Petipa. This unique production is one of the most striking performances on the capital's stage.
A dream in a summer night
Historical scene
Ballet Dream in summer night choreographed by George Balanchine, this is an amazingly beautiful performance, decorated with wonderful music by Felix Mendelssohn, expressive scenography, wonderful choreographic numbers and talented performances by the leading soloists of the Bolshoi Theater ballet troupe.
Lost Illusions
Main stage
The ballet Lost Illusions, staged by Alexei Ratmansky, is a bright and exciting performance, in the creation of which the famous artist Jerome Kaplan and the director of the Comedy Frances Guillaume Gallienne took part. The main roles in the performance are performed by leading soloists of the Bolshoi Theater ballet troupe.
Romeo and Juliet
Historical scene
William Shakespeare's legendary play became a wonderful ballet performance thanks to the genius of Sergei Prokofiev. On the stage of the Bolshoi Theater you can see this wonderful ballet Romeo and Juliet, staged by the outstanding choreographer Yuri Grigorovich.
Historical scene
One of the best European ballets is once again touring Russia, and without any doubt it will create another sensation. This ballet has set a completely new bar for quality, and we can be proud that some of its members are from our country. IN
Romeo and Juliet
Main stage
Sergei Prokofiev's ballet, based on the famous play by William Shakespeare, returns to the Bolshoi Theater stage. The talented choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, known for his striking productions, offered his version of this wonderful work.
Chopiniana, Divertimento
Main stage
Chopiniana by Mikhail Fokine became the first performance in the genre of a plotless ballet work. This ballet entered the history of modern ballet art and marked a new style in which the relationship between music and dance was revised.
Rite of Spring, Apartment
Main stage
The Rite of Spring is the legendary ballet by Igor Stravinsky, which was not immediately accepted by the public, but over time became one of the symbols of modern ballet. Outstanding choreographers in different time referred to this work. On the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, the Rite of Spring will appear performed by the bright stars of Russian ballet.
What does the day owe to the night?
Main stage
In Hervé Kubi's performance, classical choreography is unexpectedly intertwined with such modern styles, like hip-hop and capoeira. Thanks to courageous work and ingenuity, the team's performances truly became legendary.
Hamlet
Main stage
The Hamlet ballet became an unexpected and striking event in the cultural life of the capital. For the first time, the heroes of the immortal Shakespearean tragedy dance on stage and act out famous story, performing complex dance compositions and talented plastic miniatures.
Hero of our time
Main stage
Very soon you will see “A Hero of Our Time” in the Bolshoi Theater. The performance will be truly unforgettable and touching. Art lovers and classical works They will be able to appreciate what they saw if they purchase tickets for “Hero of Our Time”. Mikhail Lermontov's play was first published in St. Petersburg in two books, and this was in 1840. Lermontov always wrote interesting novels, where you can stage not only wonderful educational and historical performances, but also the opportunity to make a documentary film or show your written story in cinema.
Requiem. Ballet by Boris Eifman
Main stage
In "Requiem" Giuseppe Verdi is distinguished by a variety of musical themes, an unconventional approach to the construction of the mass and bright, emotional fragments. At the Bolshoi Theater it is famous work will be performed by leading soloists of the opera troupe and an orchestra conducted by Tugan Sokhiev.
Concert of ballet soloists
Main stage
Tickets to the concert of the Bolshoi Theater ballet soloists will allow you to see the stars of the troupe on the legendary stage. In general, ballet in Moscow began in 1780 on the corner of Petrovka Street, where the first professional troupe and the first production of The Magic Shop were located.
Publications in the Theaters section
Famous Russian ballets. Top 5
Classical ballet is an amazing art form, born in Italy during the mature Renaissance, which “moved” to France, where the credit for its development, including the founding of the Academy of Dance and the codification of many movements, belonged to the king Louis XIV. France exported the art of theatrical dance to all European countries, including Russia. In the middle of the 19th century, the capital of European ballet was no longer Paris, which gave the world the masterpieces of romanticism La Sylphide and Giselle, but St. Petersburg. Exactly at Northern capital worked for almost 60 years great choreographer Marius Petipa, creator of the system classical dance and the author of masterpieces that still do not leave the stage. After the October Revolution, they wanted to “throw the ballet off the ship of modernity,” but they managed to defend it. Soviet times were marked by the creation of a considerable number of masterpieces. We present five Russian top ballets - in chronological order.
"Don Quixote"
Scene from the ballet Don Quixote. One of the first productions by Marius Petipa
Premiere of the ballet by L.F. Minkus "Don Quixote" at the Bolshoi Theater. 1869 From the album of architect Albert Kavos
Scenes from the ballet Don Quixote. Kitri - Lyubov Roslavleva (center). Staged by A.A. Gorsky. Moscow, Bolshoi Theater. 1900
Music by L. Minkus, libretto by M. Petipa. First production: Moscow, Bolshoi Theater, 1869, choreography by M. Petipa. Subsequent productions: St. Petersburg, Mariinsky Theatre, 1871, choreography by M. Petipa; Moscow, Bolshoi Theater, 1900, St. Petersburg, Mariinsky Theater, 1902, Moscow, Bolshoi Theater, 1906, all - choreography by A. Gorsky.
The Don Quixote ballet is a theatrical performance full of life and joy, an eternal celebration of dance that never tires adults and to which parents are happy to take their children. Although it is called the name of the hero famous novel Cervantes, but starts from one of his episodes, “The Wedding of Quiteria and Basilio,” and tells about the adventures of young heroes, whose love ultimately wins, despite the opposition of the heroine’s stubborn father, who wanted to marry her to the rich Gamache.
So Don Quixote has almost nothing to do with it. Throughout the entire performance, a tall, thin artist, accompanied by a short, pot-bellied colleague portraying Sancho Panza, walks around the stage, sometimes making it difficult to watch compositions composed by Petipa and Gorsky wonderful dancing. Ballet, in essence, is a concert in costume, a celebration of classical and character dance, where all the dancers of any ballet company have a job.
The first production of the ballet took place in Moscow, where Petipa visited from time to time in order to raise the level of the local troupe, which could not be compared with the brilliant troupe of the Mariinsky Theater. But in Moscow there was more freedom to breathe, so the choreographer, in essence, staged a ballet-memory of the wonderful years of his youth spent in a sunny country.
The ballet was a success, and two years later Petipa moved it to St. Petersburg, which necessitated alterations. There they were much less interested in characteristic dances than in pure classics. Petipa expanded “Don Quixote” to five acts, composed the “white act”, the so-called “Don Quixote’s Dream”, a real paradise for lovers of ballerinas in tutus and owners of pretty legs. The number of cupids in the “Dream” reached fifty-two...
“Don Quixote” came to us in a reworking by the Moscow choreographer Alexander Gorsky, who was keen on the ideas of Konstantin Stanislavsky and wanted to make the old ballet more logical and dramatically convincing. Gorsky destroyed Petipa's symmetrical compositions, abolished tutus in the "Dream" scene and insisted on the use of dark makeup for dancers portraying Spanish women. Petipa called him a “pig,” but already in the first adaptation of Gorsky the ballet was performed on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater 225 times.
"Swan Lake"
Scenery for the first performance. Big theater. Moscow. 1877
Scene from the ballet “Swan Lake” by P.I. Tchaikovsky (choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov). 1895
Music by P. Tchaikovsky, libretto by V. Begichev and V. Geltser. First production: Moscow, Bolshoi Theater, 1877, choreography by V. Reisinger. Subsequent production: St. Petersburg, Mariinsky Theater, 1895, choreography by M. Petipa, L. Ivanov.
Everyone's favorite ballet classic version which was staged in 1895, was actually born eighteen years earlier at the Moscow Bolshoi Theater. The score by Tchaikovsky, whose world fame was yet to come, was a kind of collection of “songs without words” and seemed too complex for that time. The ballet was performed about 40 times and sank into oblivion.
After Tchaikovsky's death, Swan Lake was staged at the Mariinsky Theater, and all subsequent productions of the ballet were based on this version, which became a classic. The action was given greater clarity and logic: the ballet told about the fate of the beautiful princess Odette, who was turned into a swan by the will of the evil genius Rothbart, about how Rothbart deceived Prince Siegfried, who fell in love with her, by resorting to the charms of his daughter Odile, and about the death of the heroes. Tchaikovsky's score was cut by approximately a third by conductor Riccardo Drigo and re-orchestrated. Petipa created the choreography for the first and third acts, Lev Ivanov - for the second and fourth. This division ideally answered the calling of both brilliant choreographers, the second of whom had to live and die in the shadow of the first. Petipa is the father of classical ballet, the creator of impeccably harmonious compositions and the singer of the fairy woman, the toy woman. Ivanov is an innovative choreographer with an unusually sensitive feel for music. The role of Odette-Odile was performed by Pierina Legnani, “the queen of Milanese ballerinas”, she is also the first Raymonda and the inventor of the 32nd fouetté, the most difficult type of spin on pointe shoes.
You may not know anything about ballet, but everyone knows Swan Lake. IN last years existence Soviet Union, when the elderly leaders quite often replaced one another, the soulful melody of the “white” duet of the main characters of the ballet and the splashes of winged hands from the TV screen announced a sad event. The Japanese love “Swan Lake” so much that they are ready to watch it morning and evening, performed by any troupe. Not a single touring troupe, of which there are many in Russia and especially in Moscow, can do without “Swan”.
"Nutcracker"
Scene from the ballet "The Nutcracker". First production. Marianna - Lydia Rubtsova, Klara - Stanislava Belinskaya, Fritz - Vasily Stukolkin. Mariinskii Opera House. 1892
Scene from the ballet "The Nutcracker". First production. Mariinskii Opera House. 1892
Music by P. Tchaikovsky, libretto by M. Petipa. First production: St. Petersburg, Mariinsky Theater, 1892, choreography by L. Ivanov.
There is still erroneous information floating around in books and websites that “The Nutcracker” was staged by the father of classical ballet, Marius Petipa. In fact, Petipa only wrote the script, and the first production of the ballet was carried out by his subordinate, Lev Ivanov. Ivanov was faced with an impossible task: the script, created in the style of the then fashionable extravaganza ballet with the indispensable participation of an Italian guest performer, was in obvious contradiction with Tchaikovsky’s music, which, although it was written in strict accordance with Petipa’s instructions, was distinguished by great feeling and dramatic richness and complex symphonic development. In addition, the heroine of the ballet was a teenage girl, and the star ballerina was destined for only the final pas de deux (a duet with a partner, consisting of an adagio - a slow part, variations - solo dances and a coda (virtuoso finale)). The first production of The Nutcracker, where the first act was predominantly a pantomime act, was sharply different from the second act, a divertissement act, did not have great success, critics noted only the Waltz of the Snowflakes (64 dancers participated in it) and the Pas de deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince of Whooping Cough, the source of inspiration for which was Ivanova's Adagio with a Rose from The Sleeping Beauty, where Aurora dances with four gentlemen.
But in the twentieth century, which was able to penetrate the depths of Tchaikovsky’s music, “The Nutcracker” was destined for a truly fantastic future. There are countless ballet productions in the Soviet Union, European countries and the USA. In Russia, productions by Vasily Vainonen at the Leningrad State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (now the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg) and Yuri Grigorovich at the Moscow Bolshoi Theater are especially popular.
"Romeo and Juliet"
Ballet "Romeo and Juliet". Juliet - Galina Ulanova, Romeo - Konstantin Sergeev. 1939
Mrs Patrick Campbell as Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. 1895
Finale of the ballet "Romeo and Juliet". 1940
Music by S. Prokofiev, libretto by S. Radlov, A. Piotrovsky, L. Lavrovsky. First production: Brno, Opera and Ballet Theatre, 1938, choreography by V. Psota. Subsequent production: Leningrad, State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after. S. Kirov, 1940, choreography by L. Lavrovsky.
If a Shakespearean phrase in a famous Russian translation reads “There is no sadder story in the world than the story of Romeo and Juliet”, then they said about the ballet written by the great Sergei Prokofiev on this plot: “There is no sadder story in the world than Prokofiev’s music in ballet”. Truly amazing in its beauty, richness of colors and expressiveness, the score of “Romeo and Juliet” at the time of its appearance seemed too complex and unsuitable for ballet. Ballet dancers simply refused to dance to it.
Prokofiev wrote the score in 1934, and it was originally intended not for the theater, but for the famous Leningrad Academic Choreographic School to celebrate its 200th anniversary. The project was not implemented due to the murder of Sergei Kirov in Leningrad in 1934, leading musical theater Changes broke out in the second capital. The plan to stage “Romeo and Juliet” at the Moscow Bolshoi did not come true either. In 1938, the premiere was shown by the theater in Brno, and only two years later Prokofiev’s ballet was finally staged in the author’s homeland, at the then Kirov Theater.
Choreographer Leonid Lavrovsky, as part of a highly acclaimed Soviet power genre of "drama ballet" (a form of choreographic drama characteristic of ballet of the 1930s-50s) created an impressive, exciting spectacle with carefully sculpted crowd scenes and finely outlined psychological characteristics characters. At his disposal was Galina Ulanova, the most sophisticated ballerina-actress, who remained unsurpassed in the role of Juliet.
Prokofiev's score was quickly appreciated by Western choreographers. The first versions of the ballet appeared already in the 40s of the 20th century. Their creators were Birgit Kullberg (Stockholm, 1944) and Margarita Froman (Zagreb, 1949). Famous productions of “Romeo and Juliet” belong to Frederick Ashton (Copenhagen, 1955), John Cranko (Milan, 1958), Kenneth MacMillan (London, 1965), John Neumeier (Frankfurt, 1971, Hamburg, 1973).I. Moiseeva, 1958, choreography by Yu. Grigorovich, 1968.
Without Spartak, the concept of “Soviet ballet” is unthinkable. This is a real hit, a symbol of the era. The Soviet period developed different themes and images, deeply different from the traditional classical ballet inherited from Marius Petipa and the Imperial Theaters of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Fairy tales with a happy ending were archived and were replaced by heroic stories.
Already in 1941 one of the leading Soviet composers Aram Khachaturian spoke about his intention to write music for a monumental, heroic performance, which should be staged on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. The theme for it was an episode from ancient Roman history, a slave uprising led by Spartacus. Khachaturian created a colorful score, using Armenian, Georgian, Russian motifs and full of beautiful melodies and fiery rhythms. The production was to be carried out by Igor Moiseev.
It took many years for his work to reach the audience, and it appeared not at the Bolshoi Theater, but at the Theatre. Kirov. Choreographer Leonid Yakobson created a stunning innovative performance, abandoning the traditional attributes of classical ballet, including dancing on pointe shoes, using free plasticity and the ballerinas wearing sandals.
But the ballet “Spartacus” became a hit and a symbol of the era in the hands of choreographer Yuri Grigorovich in 1968. Grigorovich amazed the viewer with his perfectly structured dramaturgy, subtle portrayal of the characters of the main characters, and skillful staging crowd scenes, the purity and beauty of the lyrical adagios. He called his work “a performance for four soloists with a corps de ballet” (corps de ballet are artists involved in mass dance episodes). The role of Spartacus was played by Vladimir Vasiliev, Crassus - Maris Liepa, Phrygia - Ekaterina Maksimova and Aegina - Nina Timofeeva. The ballet was predominantly male, which makes the ballet “Spartacus” one of a kind.
In addition to the famous readings of Spartacus by Jacobson and Grigorovich, there are about 20 more productions of the ballet. Among them are the version by Jiří Blazek for the Prague Ballet, László Szeregi for the Budapest Ballet (1968), Jüri Vamos for the Arena di Verona (1999), Renato Zanella for the Vienna Ballet State Opera(2002), Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vasilyov for the State Academic Theater of Classical Ballet in Moscow, which they led (2002).
Swan Lake
Ballet is an art form in which the main expressive means is a dance. The dance plot is closely related to the music and dramaturgical basis. Russian ballet gained fame thanks to brilliant composers.
The most famous ballets of Russian composers embodied emotions in musical and choreographic images that completely captivated the audience.
Among the most famous ballets, one can highlight Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The ballet premiered on March 4, 1877 at the Bolshoi Theater. The first directors of the ballet were Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It is their names that are associated with the staging of the famous “swan” scenes. The prerequisite for writing the ballet was Tchaikovsky's visit to an estate in the Cherkasy region, where he spent a lot of time on the shore of the lake. There great composer and admired the snow-white birds. The ballet “Swan Lake” is rightfully considered a universally recognized masterpiece of the world ballet school. And the image White Swan and today remains a symbol of Russian ballet.
Nutcracker
Another ballet by Tchaikovsky, “The Sleeping Beauty,” is often called the “Encyclopedia of Classical Ballet Dance.” The director and choreographer of the ballet was again Marius Petipa. Central figure musical and dance performance - ballerina. The ballet itself amazes with the variety of carefully staged choreographic scenes. And the pinnacle of this dance splendor is the solemn dance miniature of the young beauty Aurora and Prince Désiré.
It is not without reason that famous ballets are associated with the name of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Another work of the famous composer is “The Nutcracker”. The ballet premiered successfully in December 1892 at the Mariinsky Theater. The stage action does not leave the audience indifferent. The ballet was based on fairy tale of the same name Hoffmann with a classic fairy tale plot about the confrontation between good and evil.
Ballet "Romeo and Juliet"
Another of the most famous ballets of the twentieth century is Romeo and Juliet, a work by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. The ballet was based on Shakespeare's work of the same name. Wonderful music and amazing choreography brought the ballet worldwide popularity. The masterpiece premiered in Czechoslovakia in 1938. But the production that was first presented in Leningrad in 1940 gained the greatest fame.
The outstanding Russian composer Sergei Sergeevich Prokofiev created another famous creation - “Cinderella”. S. Prokofiev is rightly called the “master of musical portraiture.” So subtly, with the help of music, he conveyed the character and experiences of the characters. It took Prokofiev four years to write the music for Cinderella. The premiere of “Cinderella” took place at the Bolshoi Theater in November 1945. The ballet director was Rostislav Zakharov, the role of Cinderella was performed by Olga Lepeshinskaya, and later by Galina Ulanova.
Add to list famous ballets Russian composers also included the work of Igor Stravinsky “The Rite of Spring”. The prerequisite for the creation of the ballet was the composer's dream. In it he saw a young girl dancing among the elders surrounding her. To awaken spring nature, the girl dances, losing strength, and dies. The girl's soul is reborn in the "Bright Resurrection of Nature."
The Rite of Spring is already in space
The ballet premiered in Paris on the Champs Elysees in May 1913. But it cannot be said that it was successful. The audience did not understand the originality of the music and dances and booed the artists. "The Rite of Spring" as one of 27 musical works, was recorded on a Voyager record and sent into outer space for extraterrestrial civilizations.
World classical ballet unthinkable without Russian composers. It was the Russian ballet school that became the locomotive of world art. It is famous throughout the world, touching the finest strings of the soul of every viewer.
in the 16th century, it has come a long way and by now has become popular all over the world. Numerous ballet schools and the theater companies, whose numbers increase every year, are both classical and modern.
But if there are dozens of famous show ballets, and, in fact, they differ from others dance ensembles only the level of skill, then national theaters ballet with a centuries-old history can be counted on one hand.
Russian Ballet: Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters
You and I have something to be proud of, because Russian ballet is one of the best in the world. “Swan Lake”, “The Nutcracker”, the famous plastic ballets that appeared in our country at the beginning of the 20th century, made Russia the second homeland of this art and provided our theaters with an endless stream of grateful spectators from all over the world.
Nowadays, troupes of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters compete for the title of the best, whose skills are improving day by day. Both troupes select dancers from among the students of the St. Petersburg Academy named after A. Ya. Vaganova, and from the first days of training, all of its students dream of one day performing a solo part on main stage countries.
French Ballet: Grand Opera
The cradle of world ballet, whose attitude to productions has remained unchanged for three centuries, and where only classical ballet exists academic dance, and everything else is regarded as a crime against art, is the ultimate dream for all dancers in the world.
Every year its composition is replenished with only three dancers who have passed more selections, competitions and tests than even astronauts could dream of. Tickets to the Paris Opera are not cheap, and only the wealthiest art connoisseurs can afford them, but the hall is full during every performance, since in addition to the French themselves, all Europeans come here who dream of admiring classical ballet.
United States: American Ballet Theater
Made famous by the release of Black Swan, American Ballet Theater was founded by a soloist at the Russian Bolshoi Theatre.
Having its own school, the ballet does not hire dancers from outside and has a distinctive Russian-American style. They get along in productions classic stories, for example the famous “Nutcracker”, and new dance styles. Many ballet connoisseurs claim that ABT has forgotten about the canons, but the popularity of this theater is growing every year.
UK: Birmingham Royal Ballet
Supervised by the Queen herself, the London Ballet has a small number of dancers, but is distinguished by the strict selection of participants and repertoire. You won't find modern trends or genre deviations here. Perhaps that is why, unable to withstand the harsh traditions, many young stars of this ballet they leave it and begin to create their own troupes.
It is not easy to get to a performance of the Royal Ballet; only the most famous and richest people in the world are awarded this opportunity, but once every three months, charity evenings with open admission are organized here.
Austrian Ballet: Vienna Opera
The history of the Vienna Opera goes back one and a half centuries, and all this time Russian dancers have remained the first soloists of the troupe. Known for her annual balls, which did not take place only during the Second World War, Vienna Opera is the most visited attraction in Austria. People come here both to admire talented dancers and to look at their compatriots on stage and speak their native language with pride.
It is very easy to get tickets here: thanks to the huge hall and the absence of resellers, you can do this on the day of the ballet, with the only exception being the days of premieres and the opening of the season.
So, if you want to see classical ballet performed by the most talented dancers, go to one of these theaters and enjoy the ancient art.
