Wanted to ask a particular question but why not make this into general thread about ballet on DVD, similar thread on opera has 26 pages by now, one can hope this one will make it to page 2.
Particular question I wanted to ask is, is there any staging of Miraculous Mandarin on DVD? Amazon search comes up with only one, something that seems like poor VHS to DVD transfer of some Russian staging with very little info about it (http://www.amazon.com/Sacre-Printemps-Feuervogel-Miraculous-Mandarin/dp/B000FI9OHC).
And that's about it, which is strange since there are clips of at least three different productions on youtube, and there is Bejart choreography with girl played by dancer in drags but nothing seems to be available. Have I missed something?
There was also very good choreography by Dimitrije Parlic for Belgrade Ballet from late 50s, with Duska Sifnios as a girl (for whom later Bejart will create Bolero). Sifnios did reconstruction of it sometime in late 90s and that reconstruction (with new cast obviously) was, I believe, filmed and shown on Belgrade TV but never made available commercially (nor has been 60s film of Sifnios dancing the Bolero for that matter).
I checked Arikvmusic and they have a dvd with the ballet Miraculous Mandarin. Their web
address is: www.arkivmusic.com. Click DVD's than ballet - there are a lot of cd's with the music for the ballet but as you arrow down you will see it. There may be other copies, if you have questions send them an email - they are very helpful.
Hope this helps. :)
Unfortunately, the issue you seem to be referring to is very badly reviewed on Amazon.
Most of us have the several verions of the major ballets on CD sets.......but what about some discussion of essential DVD or Blu Ray versions of these, I have a relatively small collection and need some opinions for more that really stand out.......
There is so much visual artistry in ballet that must be seen as well as heard
Scheherazade
I never realized this was a popular ballet piece with Russian dance companies and not just an orchestral showpiece, I just love the costumes and eastern dance movements. I have two versions both great but I give the edge to the lavish production below, what a feast for the eyes and ears! (look at the costume detail)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E-xMztMgJM&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E-xMztMgJM&feature=related)
Petrushka
Same DVD contains a rare and excellent version of Petruska ballet, not to be missed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPX698CbDdo&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPX698CbDdo&feature=related)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PwVvKfCKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 03, 2010, 05:27:33 AM
Scheherazade
I never realized this was a popular ballet piece with Russian dance companies and not just an orchestral showpiece, I just love the costumes and eastern dance movements. I have two versions both great but I give the edge to the lavish Kirov production, what a feast for the eyes and ears! (look at the costume detail)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E-xMztMgJM&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E-xMztMgJM&feature=related)
Petrushka
Same DVD contains a rare and excellent version of Petruska ballet, not to be missed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPX698CbDdo&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPX698CbDdo&feature=related)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PwVvKfCKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Very nice. Thanks for sharing this! :)
I am currently looking for best Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake ballet DVD.......
I have a couple of each and have been studying youtube samples, need some input from the members here to further my collection
I have finally come to fully appreciate the artistic beauty of the audio/visual impact of ballet, need to feed the beast inside
A reconstruction of the original choreography of the Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, available on DVD and Blu-Ray.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Scarpia on April 04, 2010, 06:40:26 PM
A reconstruction of the original choreography of the Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, available on DVD and Blu-Ray.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
How did you like that DVD?
I got that DVD recently mainly because there are very few options, and it is a new modern release.........
but not really what I had hoped for, bunch of dancers dressed up like American Indians dancing/hopping around in circles? I thought there would be more action and savage ritual, more bright colors etc, pretty conventional overall with the music being more exciting than the action on stage
That DVD is supposed to be based on original performances but seems strangely simple and earthbound, I have sampled other modern DVD versions that use dancers in leotards swarming together like a seething organic mass with stark modern bare stage and lighting, also not my preference but seems more in touch with essence of the modern angular sounds of Rites of Spring. I ideally would want something that combines these two approaches.....
I see another version from 1990 is soon to be released paired with a Bloshoi Petrushka, will give it a look over when released 4/13/10
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 05, 2010, 04:36:46 AM
How did you like that DVD?
I got that DVD recently mainly because there are very few options, and it is a new modern release.........
but not really what I had hoped for, bunch of dancers dressed up like American Indians dancing/hopping around in circles? I thought there would be more action and savage ritual, more bright colors etc, pretty conventional overall with the music being more exciting than the action on stage
That DVD is supposed to be based on original performances but seems strangely simple and earthbound, I have sampled other modern DVD versions that use dancers in leotards swarming together like a seething organic mass with stark modern bare stage and lighting, also not my preference but seems more in touch with essence of the modern angular sounds of Rites of Spring. I ideally would want something that combines these two approaches.....
I see another version from 1990 is soon to be released paired with a Bloshoi Petrushka, will give it a look over when released 4/13/10
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
It is what it is, HIP Stravinsky. I guess it took less to create a riot in those days than one would think. I had another version by choreographed by a repulsive pervert named Uwe Scholz which I sold. (Choreography involved throwing feces around the stage.) There was another "silent film" set to Sacre with Rattle conducting which was utter trash. I don't think there is a better Sacre out there.
Quote from: Scarpia on April 05, 2010, 06:13:47 AM
It is what it is, HIP Stravinsky. I guess it took less to create a riot in those days than one would think. I had another version by choreographed by a repulsive pervert named Uwe Scholz which I sold. (Choreography involved throwing feces around the stage.) There was another "silent film" set to Sacre with Rattle conducting which was utter trash. I don't think there is a better Sacre out there.
I saw some youtube samples of Scholz "rites of spring" that is the modern version I referred to with dancers in body leotards forming seething mass of motion.......unusual but not what I am looking for, I would like something that combines both modern and traditional styles using best of both worlds.
Hopefully the 4/13/10 release DVD of 1990 rites of spring will be just what I seek
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 05, 2010, 10:21:03 AM
I saw some youtube samples of Scholz "rites of spring" that is the modern version I referred to with dancers in body leotards forming seething mass of motion.......unusual but not what I am looking for, I would like something that combines both modern and traditional styles using best of both worlds.
That Scholz release contained two version, the one you refer to and one with music performed on piano transcription and a single dancer featuring the antics I described. The ensemble piece had it's moments but the other was so off-putting that I couldn't justify keeping it. Plus I like the idea that by selling my copy I was depriving the distributor of a sale.
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 05, 2010, 04:36:46 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL..jpg)
How did you like that DVD?
I got that DVD recently mainly because there are very few options, and it is a new modern release.........
but not really what I had hoped for, bunch of dancers dressed up like American Indians dancing/hopping around in circles? I thought there would be more action and savage ritual, more bright colors etc, pretty conventional overall with the music being more exciting than the action on stage
I like that DVD. Firstly it has excellent Firebird. Kondaurova is superb in title role, tall with lots of presence, bird-like, with those expressive long arms and hands and right measure in mime. Fokine choreography stands or falls mostly on performance of the title role, rest of the cast doesn't have much to dance but Mariinsky corps de ballet, costumes and scenery manage to convey nicely Russian fairy-tale feel of the piece.
I'm not big fan of Nijinsky Rite, dramatically choreography seems pale in comparison with music, but it was from dance point of view pretty radical for 1913, with sharp, jerky movements, inelegant thumping and jumping around. As Scarpia said, it is what it is: a piece of history and I would rather more like to have it, and to have seen it, than not.
There is Rite of Spring choreography that I'd like to see complete: Preljocaj's, but doesn't seem to be available on DVD. Beginning and ending can be seen on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW49BFunwlU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfAaoLJuGyY
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 05, 2010, 04:36:46 AMI see another version from 1990 is soon to be released paired with a Bloshoi Petrushka, will give it a look over when released 4/13/10
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I'd like to know where you found that listing, I've been unable to confirm it.
Note added: duh, found it. They neglected to put "Stravinsky" in the title so searches didn't turn it up.
Quote from: Drasko on April 08, 2010, 04:26:44 AMThere is Rite of Spring choreography that I'd like to see complete: Preljocaj's, but doesn't seem to be available on DVD. Beginning and ending can be seen on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW49BFunwlU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfAaoLJuGyY
Now, that is impressive.
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 04, 2010, 09:11:04 AM
Swan Lake ballet DVD[/b].......
I prefer a Swan Lake with the "unhappy ending". It fits in much better with the dramatic music at the end. The DVD with Nureyev/Fonteyn and Lanchbery w/ Vienna Symphony Orchestra offers this dark ending.
I just recently watched a live Swan Lake here in my city, with the upbeat, happy ending, and it just wasn't nearly as effective. :(
Quote from: Brahmsian on April 08, 2010, 09:29:21 AM
I prefer a Swan Lake with the "unhappy ending". It fits in much better with the dramatic music at the end. The DVD with Nureyev/Fonteyn and Lanchbery w/ Vienna Symphony Orchestra offers this dark ending.
I do have the 1960s Nureyev/Fonteyn Romeo & Juliet Ballet DVD, but not the Swan Lake you mention.....
I now have several Swan Lakes in........but still going through the initial viewing process.
Although not the only consideration "newer is better" for me, widescreen format and especially Blu Ray.
I do my viewing on 52" LCD TV, upscaling done by Oppo Blu Ray player and the detail on some newer productions is amazing....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Rynct46-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YuPSo%2BXPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OpUW1GQ%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Any comments on these welcome......
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DT5V7XDML._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TVkTAZ6pL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I have always loved the music to Delibes ballets Coppelia & Sylvia........
but have never seen the actual ballets till recently getting these DVDs. Coppelia is a beautiful fun ballet with timeless storyline, I liked this so much I will probably get a 2nd version for my collection, anyone have a recommendation besides version I show above?
Sylvia is not often performed today and they are very few choices for DVD, so the one above is the default modern choice to own. The story is more contrived and harder to pull off based on mythology characters compared to Coppelia, but the music maybe even better, Tchaikovsky was very impressed with music of this work.......still waiting for my DVD to arrive
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 10, 2010, 12:06:33 PM
I do have the 1960s Nureyev/Fonteyn Romeo & Juliet Ballet DVD, but not the Swan Lake you mention.....
I now have several Swan Lakes in........but still going through the initial viewing process.
Although not the only consideration "newer is better" for me, widescreen format and especially Blu Ray.
I do my viewing on 52" LCD TV, upscaling done by Oppo Blu Ray player and the detail on some newer productions is amazing....
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Rynct46-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YuPSo%2BXPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OpUW1GQ%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Any comments on these welcome......
I have the Gergiev production, not bad but unfortunately with the silly happy ending >:D
Really, do yourself a favour and get the Nureyev/Fonteyn version, it's simply in a class of its own. The picture quality is surprisingly good considering its age, and the ending is extremely well done, hard to beat imo.
Quote from: sTisTi on April 13, 2010, 08:50:38 AM
I have the Gergiev production, not bad but unfortunately with the silly happy ending >:D
Really, do yourself a favour and get the Nureyev/Fonteyn version, it's simply in a class of its own. The picture quality is surprisingly good considering its age, and the ending is extremely well done, hard to beat imo.
I watched
Gergiev Swan Lake last night, pretty good with great picture quality but I also think there are better overall versions to be had........this is good enough to keep in my collection for now
I have watched youtube videos nof
Nureyev Swan and yes he is great dancer but not ready to pay for this yet, age of video does not help and I have some others ahead in line for buys, more interested in overall visual impact of the work than in following any individual dancers skill.....
My next move for Swan Lake is to get two additional versions after checking youtube:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417%2B9qN1oJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KxV8AU2SL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Am considering these two:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51781yLENrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516dit4SJNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Any comments?
oh my........that Romeo & Juliet looks very modern avant guard :o
Have never seen Ondine Ballet.......
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 13, 2010, 04:15:13 PM
oh my........that Romeo & Juliet looks very modern avant guard :o
Don't be too alarmed, they keep their underwear on throught out the performance, as far as I know, unlike that French Rite of Spring on youtube. :D
Quote from: Scarpia on April 13, 2010, 04:02:45 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516dit4SJNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Any comments?
Not exactly comments, but there are bunch of stills and short video at Aterballetto site from their production of Romeo and Juliete, not necessarily the exact recorded performance:
http://www.aterballetto.it/english/photos_romeo_and_juliet.htm
There is on youtube lengthier clip from what I
think could be actual performance on DVD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMk9fQTViII
Quest for the very best Sleeping Beauty........the pinnacle of classical ballet for many
I have purchased the top 5 versions that most Amazon customers like best, and they all were very good in thier own way, but my very favorite is a bit of a sleeper that I discovered by randomly checking youtube videos:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mS9EJvAZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Royal Ballet from Covent Garden 1995, Viviana Durante as Aurora, spectacular Anthony Dowell production and he also plays the wicked Carabosse. Look at the lavish costuming and creative staging and backdrops, the best I have seen......some backdrops appear to be M.C. Escher illustrations which characters magically emerge from (see rose adagio sample).
The arrival of Caraboose has never been more sinister better staged, her minions are like a black swarm, her "chariot" a very unique touch.....please check youtube link below (the actual DVD picture is much better lighting and color than these samples and upscales nicely on quality DVD player)
Carabosse appears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO5fyKt5nso&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO5fyKt5nso&feature=related)
Rose Adagio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd-PHH_Ifls&NR=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd-PHH_Ifls&NR=1)
Auroras Wedding, Brothers Grimm Chacacters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4NaIzWRG5o&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4NaIzWRG5o&feature=related)
I am open to any other cases to be made for favorite Sleeping Beauty, what do you like?
Here are other versions I own:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510d3hbfwkL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZDbu4KJ-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HfFhHuoUL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
One version I really want but is far too expensive currently to buy is the 1989 Kirov, youtube samples look very promising
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MRE543Y7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Watched the Firebird from this set.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Absolutely outstanding. Interesting to see how this piece takes some elements of stereotypical ballet and adds a more modern twist. As Drasko mentioned somewhere above, the lead dancer does a great job.
Next up, Le Sacre.
Quote from: Scarpia on April 19, 2010, 07:56:20 PM
Watched the Firebird from this set.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Absolutely outstanding. Interesting to see how this piece takes some elements of stereotypical ballet and adds a more modern twist. As Drasko mentioned somewhere above, the lead dancer does a great job.
Next up, Le Sacre.
There are several good Firebirds available which is good news foor us........
but I have not found a Rite of Spring that I am really happy with yet, including the one above.......my search continues
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FEGBPN8PL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Has anyone seen this DVD of the rarely performed Pharoah's Daughter ballet?
Ballet featuring early work by Petipa and was more popular in its time than the later great ballets featuring the team of Petipa and Tchaikovsky, the youtubes look very tempting....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OzZQoqoBto&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OzZQoqoBto&feature=related)
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 20, 2010, 06:58:49 AM
There are several good Firebirds available which is good news foor us........
but I have not found a Rite of Spring that I am really happy with yet, including the one above.......my search continues
I've seen a few Firebirds and I think this is the best.
By all accounts this is what the composer and choreographer intended for the Rite, a stylized aboriginal ritual, although to the modern imagine the section titles may suggest a sort of soft-core porno. After watching some excerpts from the beginning I think it will be interesting. The set is rather basic but the costumes suggest an interesting blend of traditional Russian and Eastern influences (Mongol, etc).
Watched this rite.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Interesting, not at all what I imagined hearing the music and having no information about the intended choreography. What we have here is not as overwhelming, more nuanced than I had expected. (Maybe the fabled riot was for the reason we assume it was.) The original production was definitely not a success and the run was ended after only 8 performances (according to one of the bonus videos on the set, I think).
Another interesting question is the music and how it should be performed. It seems out modern performances try to out-do each other for cataclysmic explosions or sound, but the recordings by conductors who actually knew Stravinsky and worked with the Ballet Russe are less overpowering, more delicate (like the Ansermet, Suisse Romande and the Monteaux, Paris Conservatory). I am starting to think that is what Stravinsky had in mind.
The disc includes interviews with the people who reconstructed the original choreography. Apparently there is a cache of materials found at Berkeley, including notes and photographs representing the costumes and choreography.
Anyway, still curious about this piece and becoming more interested in Ballet, so I have this one on order:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Scarpia on April 21, 2010, 06:06:53 AM
Watched this rite.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Interesting, not at all what I imagined hearing the music and having no information about the intended choreography. What we have here is not as overwhelming, more nuanced than I had expected. (Maybe the fabled riot was for the reason we assume it was.) The original production was definitely not a success and the run was ended after only 8 performances (according to one of the bonus videos on the set, I think).
Another interesting question is the music and how it should be performed. It seems out modern performances try to out-do each other for cataclysmic explosions or sound, but the recordings by conductors who actually knew Stravinsky and worked with the Ballet Russe are less overpowering, more delicate (like the Ansermet, Suisse Romande and the Monteaux, Paris Conservatory). I am starting to think that is what Stravinsky had in mind.
The disc includes interviews with the people who reconstructed the original choreography. Apparently there is a cache of materials found at Berkeley, including notes and photographs representing the costumes and choreography.
Anyway, still curious about this piece and becoming more interested in Ballet, so I have this one on order:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Yes even if top DVD is exact recreation of what Stravinsky originally wanted to see......it's just not that good at communicating spirit of the music and can be improved upon IMO from a staging/dancing aspect
The DVD you just ordered is on my wishlist, but waiting for price to come down a bit first, or some used versions to appear........keep us posted on what you find out
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 21, 2010, 07:32:40 AM
Yes even if top DVD is exact recreation of what Stravinsky originally wanted to see......it's just not that good at communicating spirit of the music and can be improved upon IMO from a staging/dancing aspect
The DVD you just ordered is on my wishlist, but waiting for price to come down a bit first, or some used versions to appear........keep us posted on what you find out
There is nothing that can't be improved. It was important to me to see what Stravinsky intended, and it release is worth it for the Firebird alone, IMO.
I got it for 30 % off, and I was concerned that oddball releases sometimes go out of print and become rarities, rather than being steeply discounted late in the product cycle. You may be able to get my copy used if I don't like it.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
OK order has been placed.......we can compare notes :)
I also watched this strange "Smurf" version of Nutcracker with Gergiev, I don't mind trying some new twist to freshen things up, but not very impressed with this
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nMul%2BpdwL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Scarpia on April 21, 2010, 06:06:53 AM
Watched this rite.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Interesting, not at all what I imagined hearing the music and having no information about the intended choreography. What we have here is not as overwhelming, more nuanced than I had expected. (Maybe the fabled riot was for the reason we assume it was.) The original production was definitely not a success and the run was ended after only 8 performances (according to one of the bonus videos on the set, I think).
The original version dancing was only radical in the sense that it did away with Petipa's classical "point" dancing using pirouettes etc.......replacing them with a bunch of flat footed stomping around in circles, must have seemed ugly by comparison back then (and not much better even today viewed through the prism of time)
Firebird and Petrushka kept the classical "point" dance elements
One thing of interest about the "authentic" production of the rite; it appears the risque cover of the old Ansermet recording was an accurate representation of the final scene of the ballet, although the original costumes did not permit a bare boob (wardrobe malfunction?).
(http://www.boogiebobsrecords.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/36953c5058b98fd3b80fb3e1ee532e75.jpg)
This one arrived and I took a quick look.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I think the choreography will be interesting, but the technical quality is more or less what you'd expect from a Soviet television broadcast, unimpressive to say the least.
Quote from: Scarpia on April 24, 2010, 08:02:21 AM
This one arrived and I took a quick look.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4cOK5h3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I think the choreography will be interesting, but the technical quality is more or less what you'd expect from a Soviet television broadcast, unimpressive to say the least.
Ooohhhh......mine will be here soonI will make the best of it with Oppo Blu Ray player, the Anchor Bay chip set currently does wonders with upscaling standard DVDs to 1080p.
Waiting for these to arrive also:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jHNFxUPCL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VGVQKF8sL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nJIPv59HL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
WOW.......this DVD knocked my socks off!
most sheer fun and excitement you could possibly want in a ballet performance. Never a dull moment here and this has to be best ballet music score by Minkus, what took me so long to get this, instead of wasting words a short youtube will best make my case:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GksQygQnk4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GksQygQnk4)
What a dynamic persona Baryshnikov has onstage, swashbuckling, cavalier......genius!
Why is there so little of his work available on DVD?
Also despite comments you might read on Amazon the picture quality is quite good if you upscale on a high quality new DVD player, no complaints from me
Quote from: DarkAngel on April 25, 2010, 08:12:21 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nJIPv59HL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
WOW.......this DVD knocked my socks off!
most sheer fun and excitement you could possibly want in a ballet performance. Never a dull moment here and this has to be best ballet music score by Minkus, what took me so long to get this, instead of wasting words a short youtube will best make my case:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GksQygQnk4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GksQygQnk4)
What a dynamic persona Baryshnikov has onstage, swashbuckling, cavalier......genius!
Why is there so little of his work available on DVD?
Also despite comments you might read on Amazon the picture quality is quite good if you upscale on a high quality new DVD player, no complaints from me
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HDwOoSduL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Another ballet that I just loved, Le Cosaire done here by Kirov ballet is the final Petipa 1899 version with all the bells and whistles, music score contains at least 6 composers works combined. Tremendous fun and almost non stop string of virtuoso dance pieces which the audience generously rewards with applause. Love all the pirate, sultan, harem girl themes which allow for colorful costumes and lavish stagings. I wish there were more Le Cosaire versions available for purchase, check out Act II scence from pirates hideout cave and see what they do for fun to pass the time......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVDNk5PSjFo&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVDNk5PSjFo&feature=related)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfmeqCPYk3g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfmeqCPYk3g)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VbCbLHPqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hHNuxHljL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
This newly issued DVD is a mixed bag........
The Petrushka unfortunately is unacceptably poor quality video and sound quality, can't even begin to comment on performance because of this glaring problem
The Rites of Spring is better quality video/audio (though still not great) and the performance I like much more that the dull Gergiev original performance version. A hybrid style with modern dance elements blended with traditional, dance movements much more creative and responsive the savage theme of music, a thrilling dark sacrifice to the pagan gods. Some of the camera angles taken between trees were a bit annoying, but overall I am happy with this version.....still open to a great new HD version of course
For Petrushka the version I mentioned earlier here is by far superior and a great overall DVD!
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PwVvKfCKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I agree the Moscow Rite of Spring is more or less what you seemed to be looking for. A shame that the quality isn't better. In the end, I think I prefer the strict reconstruction of the original.
I wonder about the "return of the firebird" dvd you mention. I purchased that DVD when it was first released, then there was the re-released version. My version is from the early days of DVDs and has noticeable video compression artifacts. I wonder if the re-released version is significantly improved.
Quote from: Scarpia on April 30, 2010, 06:24:36 PM
I agree the Moscow Rite of Spring is more or less what you seemed to be looking for. A shame that the quality isn't better. In the end, I think I prefer the strict reconstruction of the original.
I wonder about the "return of the firebird" dvd you mention. I purchased that DVD when it was first released, then there was the re-released version. My version is from the early days of DVDs and has noticeable video compression artifacts. I wonder if the re-released version is significantly improved.
The video quality is very good on all three ballets:Firebird
Petrushka
Sheherazade
Check the video quality of Firebird, easy to tell it is good even from youtube sample
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSAcqQnj7yw&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSAcqQnj7yw&feature=related)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YGAD35AAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
A break from actual ballet performances to watch documentary on the Ballet Russes after death of founder Sergei Diaghilev to its final demise, a period from roughly 1930-1960. The Ballet Russe carried on shortly after death of Daighilev but factional conflicts resulted in two Ballet Russe (original and Monte Carlo) touring during most of this period.
Both groups came to USA during WWII, amazing how young many of these dancers started especially ballerinas, age 14-15 was not unusual and they toured with mothers. Many members still alive and give interviews and colorful stories about behind the scence events, archival film footage and photos also tell the story when needed. Also interesting to see how Hollywood became a factor, all kind of cool stuff for ballet fans.......
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513Dbl6wSKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R7S9R96WL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
After viewing 5-6 of the top rated Nutcrackers these two have become my favorites, both are newer widescreen format so picture quality is quite good. Overall if I keep only one it is the San Francisco version because of the great spectacle of costumes and imaginative stage sets. The Drosselmeyer character is also a highlight, plays a more prominent role than other versions and more imaginative touches and character development which add to the fairy tale character of the story.
The act II character dance sets are also done with wonderful panache and beatiful creative costume designs, a real winner overall
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jHNFxUPCL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FEGBPN8PL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Prince of the Pagodas ballet by Benjamin Britten is a mixed bag, very good dancing - colorful costumes but the music is defintely 2nd tier compared to Tchaikovsky, Minkus, Delibes etc bland in many spots without the needed sparkle and panache of the masters.....no wonder it is hard to buy just the music to this ballet. The storyline is actually very interesting but the music never fully rises to the occassion
If you are looking for a lesser known ballet the previously mentioned Pharaoh's Daughter ballet is much better overall with stronger music and and even better stage set designs to match great costume and dance elements by Marius Petipa
**HIGH RECOMMENDATION ALERT!**
[asin]B00030EQUC[/asin]
Any fan of ballet music (hello Harry!) :) will most definitely want to see this production by Opus Arte. To be noted, this was my very first listen to the complete Sleeping Beauty ballet, and I was incredibly impressed, with both the music and the beautiful, lavish production on this DVD. Now, Sleeping Beauty has nowhere near the same amount of dramatic content as does Swan Lake or Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet. However, that is about the only thing that is lacking (if indeed one is looking for dark and dramatic moments in spades in ballet).
Choreography by Marius Petipa and Sir Peter Wright
Holland Symfonia, conducted by Ermanno Florio
Principal dancers:
Princess Aurora - Sofiane Sylve
Prince Florimund - Gael Lambiotte
Het Nationale Ballet (Dutch National Ballet)
Release date: 2004
Beautiful, colorful, ornate, lavish sets and gorgeous, sumptuous costumes. Sofiane Sylve is breathtaking. Gael Lambiotte also is brilliant as the Prince. Happy to say, that on a local note, Gael Lambiotte is now one of the principal dancers with my local Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and I've seen him dance on several occasions, and he is absolutely marvelous!
I can't recommend it highly enough for ballet lovers! :)
Just finished watching this one, Prokofiev's 'Ivan the Terrible'. 1990 Bolshoi production, with choreography by Yuri Grigorovich and Simon Virsaladze. Irek Mukhamedov stars as Ivan IV, Natalya Bessmertnova as Anastasia, and Gedminas Turanda as Prince Kurbsky. Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra conducted by Algis Zhuraitis.
Loved the music, some savory Prokofiev dissonances (and a lot of it), but also some beautiful Romantic passages (a la Romeo & Juliet). It was definitely Prokofiev music, but at times I swear I thought I was listening to Shostakovich.
As much as I enjoying listening to this music for the first time, the highlight was the choreography. Absolutely stunning, incredible action scenes and high degree of difficulty dancing. I recommend to anyone to give it a viewing.
[asin]B0008JEK5O[/asin]
I should just change the name of this thread to ChamberNut's Ballet on DVD. >:D
Anyway, I had to watch this Swan Lake production again, with Nureyev/Fonteyn, along with the Vienna State Opera Ballet, and John Lanchberry conducting the Wiener Symphoniker. Filmed in 1966
[asin]B0007P0LPC[/asin]
I love this version for its tragic and sad ending.
Are there any other versions or productions of Swan Lake that have a tragic/sad ending, instead of the more common 'happy fairy tale' endings? I just find the sad/tragic ending goes more in line with the dramatic music of Tchaikovsky's score.
Here's to sad and unhappy endings! :) :D
In regard to Swan Lake sad endings, years ago the Stuttgart Ballet danced it at the Kennedy Center at the finale both the lovers died and the entire set collapsed. It was startling to say the least. I turned to my wife and said " I could turn around and see this production all over again" As far as DVDs go I would select the ABT version as close to perfect and I have seen all the available versions. The Nureyev version would be second and the La Scala version would be third. I saw the Kirov and Bolshoi versions of Swan Lake at Wolf Trap outside of D.C. An amusing story- the first time I saw the Kirov Swan lake I was in the front row and as Rothbart and the Prince fight he tore the wing off and at that point the tam tam or gong was hit to hard and I jumped out of my seat! I told that to friends and when the Kirov returned years later I took my friends to see it. They had heard my story and were looking forward to that scene, wouldn't you know it this time the Prince failed to pull the wing off and Rothbart died anyway and the gong was muted. I saw the tv broadcast of the next nights performance and this time the prince got it right. Needless to say Swan Lake is my favorite ballet by far.
Or not on DVD
[asin]1568327900[/asin]
An hour and a half video containing three complete ballets with Nureyev starring in reconstructions of original Fokine and Nijinsky choreographies, plus about half an hour documentary on Nijinsky with Nureyev's comments. Absolutely fantastic, and it's near criminal that it never made to DVD. I definitely recommend it to those who still have a VCR, those who don't can watch the complete video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/v/3nLCSurR6sQ
crossposting from listening thread
Le Train Bleu
(http://ring.cdandlp.com/oemie/photo_grande/114395951.jpg)
Le Train Bleu is a ballet in one act with choreography by Bronislava Nijinska, libretto by Jean Cocteau, music by Darius Milhaud, curtain by Picasso, set by Henri Laurens, and costumes by Coco Chanel. Le Train Bleu premiered on June 20, 1924 at the Theatre de Champs-Elysees in Paris. The lead roles were danced by Bronislava Nijnska, Lydia Sokolova, Anton Dolin and Leon Woizikowski. The ballet was a sporting theme, and features a group of fashionable and wealthy friends amusing themselves on the Mediterranean coast. Cocteau's scenario as influenced by the Olympic Games, silent films and jazz music. Nijinska's choreography had a strong gymnastic element to it. Nijinska danced the role of the Champion Tennis Player, Woizikowski the part of a golfer, Dolin the swimming champion. The Train Bleu itself, an express train between Paris and the Cote d'Azur, does not appear in the ballet. The ballet's first complete revival was at the Oakland Ballet in 1989; it was restaged at the Paris Opera in 1992.
More detailed New York Times article about creation and re-creation of Le Train Bleu (http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/04/arts/dance-le-train-bleu-makes-a-brief-stopover.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm)
(http://s8.postimage.org/uv7b71vrp/Le_Train_Bleu.jpg)
original 1924 staging
(http://s16.postimage.org/4htpp2ylx/6a00d83451644969e20133f48e30ee970b.jpg)
Picasso's curtain
The only audio recording is 1972 recording by Igor Markevitch conducting Orchestra of the Monte-Carlo Opera. Nobody will mistake Monte-Carlo orchestra for Vienna Philharmonic but they sound wonderfully idiomatic (being practically in-house orchestra for the Ballet Russes in their post Diaghilev existence) under Markevitch who takes light music very seriously. It was available on fantastic Addes double disc full of rarely recorded French ballets of the period. Unfortunately that is very much out of print. It was reissued by Scribendum (with added third and completely unnecessary disc of some Markevitch's Japanese Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Schubert).
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/617FdAGcygL.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Musiciens-Francais-Des-Ballets-Russes/dp/B000004C7T
(http://www.silveroakmusic.com/images/sc014.gif)
http://www.silveroakmusic.com/sc014.html
But the whole recording can be heard on youtube, split in two parts (even if it is only 22 minutes piece)
http://www.youtube.com/v/5kJc4oEuyR0 http://www.youtube.com/v/kOwW0Auguf4
Thankfully 1992 re-staging from Paris Opera Ballet is available on DVD.
http://www.youtube.com/v/7wEFYT6Y39g
central pas-de-deux
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MKSYSYW7L.jpg)
US: http://www.amazon.com/Diaghilev-Cocteau-Picasso-Dance-Ballet/dp/B000BZIT4S (http://www.amazon.com/Diaghilev-Cocteau-Picasso-Dance-Ballet/dp/B000BZIT4S)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ptFAUwp%2BL.jpg)
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Picasso-Dance-Paris-Opera-Ballet/dp/B000E1KKM8 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Picasso-Dance-Paris-Opera-Ballet/dp/B000E1KKM8)
Speaking of Nijinska, I recently borrowed this from the library.
[asin]B0000714CM[/asin]
Les Noces was a modern revival of Nijinska's production from the 1960s, and one of the features was one of the dancers from that production providing a somewhat satirical memoir of what it was like to dance under her direction (not very pleasant for the dancers, although in the end well worth the result). Her choreography for that piece was a sort of minimalism made physical--small repeated steps and gestures was the basis of it. It was a little hard for me to take in, since that was the first time I've heard the music for Les Noces to begin with. The Firebird, which had no connection to Nijinska, was well danced, and interesting in that it was the first time I had heard the music as a complete whole and not simply a suite of excerpts.