GLAZUNOV: Raymonda (NTSC)

From the Bolshoi Theatre 1989
Ballet in Three Acts

Natalya Bessmertnova, Yuri Vasyuchenko, Gedminas Taranda

Revised Choreography by Yuri Grigorovich
Based on the Choreography by Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky

Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Algis Zhuraitis

Design by Simon Virsaladze
Directed for Video by Shuji Fujii

Sound Format: PCM Stereo
Picture Format: 4:3
Region Code: 0
Menu Languages: D, F, GB, SP
Running Time: 125 mins
DVD 9/ NTSC

Cat no.: 100 719

Written in 1898, Raymonda is deemed to be Glazunov's finest ballet, stately and melodious. It here receives an illustrious treatment from the Bolshoi and one of its most celebrated stars, Natalya Bessmertnova.

The Bolshoi adaptation of this piece, choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich based on the original choreography of Marius Petipa and Alexander Grosky, is notable for its fantastic set and costume design, with both the hero and heroine dressed in pure white. Natalya Bessmertnova's portrayal of the title role is wonderfully delicate, and she has a devoted and equal partner in Yuri Vasyuchenko.

Raymonda bids farewell to her betrothed Jean de Brienne, who presents her with a silk shawl as a farewell gift and goes to fight in the Crusades. She dreams of him, but her dreams are frequently interrupted by the appearance of a Saracen warrior, Abderakhman, who is fascinated by the beautiful noblewoman and ultimately attempts to abduct her. Jean, by this time, has now returned home and the two finally - and fatally - duel.

"Miss Bessmertnova has a magical quality that singles her out from every other performer, a mixture of intensity of feeling and effortless projection of dance ideas. Dark-haired, huge-eyed, with long limbs and a supple torso, she is a perfect dance instrument." The Financial Times on the Bolshoi's visit to Covent Garden, 1963