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(More customer reviews)This is a wonderful, classical version of Swan Lake. It has all the elements and parts I want to see in this ballet: most of the dance segments and artistic excellence and balance. Right from the beginning we can tell this is going to be a great, energetic ballet as Prince Siegfried comes onto the stage in the very beginning and joins his tutor and jester in a lively pas de trois. it is choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich, Natalia Bessmetnova's husband and the director of the Bolshoi Ballet at that time. He was a great choreographer and was especially gifted at staging the classics so that they fit the standards and requirements of today. The role of Odette and Odile is danced by Natalia Bessmertnova magnificently. She always danced with a combination of technical excellence and dignity. Another remarkable aspect of this performance is the uniform excellence of the dancing. Nowhere is there the slightest imperfection! Additionally, I was very impressed with the combination of youthful vigor and mature stature of all the dancing. All of the ethnic dances are included, and the Black Swan pas de deux follows the Petipa version. Rothbart is also given some great choreography here, something that is often neglected in other stagings. The sets and costumes are also at the highest standard--absolutely gorgeous. The image and sound are very good, as well, but keep in mind that this is a ballet movie on color film, so it has that special quality that film imparts. If you don't mind a Swan Lake on film, this is a fine Swan Lake to have in any collection.
Sadly, on February 19, 2008 Natalia Bessmertnova died of a grave, protracted illness, just a few weeks after the release of this DVD. After her retirement from the stage, she had been teaching until her illness.
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The Bolshoi Ballet Company in the Ultimate Swan Lake, Filmed Live at the Bolshoi Theatre, Starring Natalia Bessmertnova and Alexander Bogatyrev Classic ballet at its best! Video This performance offers a fine view of the liquid, lyric style of the Bolshoi Corps. Anna Kisselgoff Bessmertnova dances ravishingly and the camera work is beyond reproach. Ballet News This Swan Lake performs the most difficult promenades, leaps and pirouettes with commanding ease and poise. Dance MagazineThe aristocratic beauty of the Bolshoi makes The Ultimate Swan Lake alive with ennobling presence and artistry. Natalia Bessmertnova is soft and lyrical in the dual role of Odette and Odile; her eminently feminine quality makes her the ideal interpreter of this classic. The elegance and magnetism of Siegfried is masterfully created by Alexander Bogatyrev. The Ultimate Swan Lake is an exquisitely designed, opulently mounted production unlike any other. Choreographed by the critically acclaimed Yuri Grigorvich, with the Moscow Symphonic Orchestra under the baton of Algis Zhuraitis. Gene Kelly host-narrates this production, which is The Ultimate ballet treasure on video.CastNatalia Bessmertnova: Odette/OdileAlexander Bogatyrev: Prince SiegfriedBoris Akimov: Von RothbartChoreographed, Written and Staging & Choreography by Yuri GrigorovichMusic by Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskyPerformed by the Moscow Symphony OrchestraUnder the baton of Algis Zhuraitis Swan Lake was Tchaikovsky's first ballet score and had its premiere on January 27, 1895.Act I:The Palace Gardens-During Prince Siegfrieds s 21st birthday party, his mother announces that it's time for the Prince to marry. The Prince is aghast and depressed; his friends suggest a hunt of the swans.Lakeside-The Prince meets Odette, Queen Of the Swans, who is under a spell of the evil Von Rothbart. It can only be lifted if a man swears to love her and be faithful. Only then can she appear always as a woman. The Prince swears to love Odette. Von Rothbart appears and the Prince takes aim, only to be saved by Odette who knows that Von Rothbart must live if the spell is to be broken. The Swan maidens dance their celebrated waltz and dawn breaks as the maidens return to their swan identities.Act II:The Palace Ballroom-The Prince Mother presents six potential brides. Von Rothbart (in human guise) and his daughter Odile arrive (she having been made by her father to look like Odette). The real Odette appears at the castle window and watches as the Prince, now under Von Rothbart s spell, swears to marry Odile. Von Rothbart then reveals his and Odile's true identities and Siegfried dashes off to find Odette.Act III:Lakeside-Odette believes Siegfried has broken his vow and determines to kill herself. The Prince begs forgiveness which she grants, but says she must die. Von Rothbart attempts to drive the Prince away and keep Odette for himself. Odette flings herself into the lake and is followed by Siegfried. Von Rothbart dies, mortally wounded by his act of love. The swan maidens watch as Odette and Siegfried journey on to everlasting happiness.
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