John Cranko Ballet DVD – The Lady and the Fool & Pineapple Poll

UPC: 5060244550407

Product Features

• Title: John Cranko Ballets – The Lady and the Fool & Pineapple Poll
• Choreographer: John Cranko
• Performers: Svetlana Beriosova, Ray Powell, Ronald Hynd, Merle Park, David Blair, Stanley Holden, Brenda Taylor, Gerd Larsen
• Orchestras: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Sir Charles Mackerras
• Language: English
• Subtitles: French, German
• TV Format: NTSC 4:3
• Sound: Ambient Mono
• Run Time: Approx. 90 minutes
• Publisher: ICA Classics / BBC
• DVD Region: Region Free (NTSC)

Overview

This ICA Classics Legacy DVD offers the first-ever release of two iconic ballets choreographed by John Cranko, The Lady and the Fool and Pineapple Poll. These rare performances were broadcast on the BBC in 1959 and have been carefully restored from the television archives for DVD release.

The Lady and the Fool is a poignant ballet that tells the bittersweet story of society’s outcasts, led by La Capricciosa, performed by Svetlana Beriosova in the year she became prima ballerina at Sadler's Wells Ballet. The ballet features a cast of talented dancers, including Ronald Hynd as Moondog and Ray Powell as Bootface, with music by Giuseppe Verdi, arranged by Charles Mackerras.

Pineapple Poll, a light-hearted and comedic ballet, is set to the lively music of Arthur Sullivan, also arranged by Mackerras. The choreography showcases Cranko’s flair for humor and character-driven storytelling, with Merle Park as Pineapple Poll, David Blair as Captain Belaye, and Stanley Holden as Jasper.

This DVD captures two of Cranko’s finest works, performed by The Royal Ballet and accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House under the baton of Sir Charles Mackerras.

Interesting Facts

• Svetlana Beriosova, the star of The Lady and the Fool, became prima ballerina at Sadler’s Wells Ballet the same year this performance was recorded, highlighting her exceptional talent.
• John Cranko is remembered for his ability to create ballet narratives that are both humorous and poignant, as exemplified in these two performances.
• Pineapple Poll is based on the comic works of Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame), and Charles Mackerras’s orchestration brings a new life to the score.
• This DVD includes BBC archive footage from 1959, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of televised ballet performances.
• The ICA Classics series is dedicated to preserving and restoring historic performances, ensuring that these significant works are available for future generations.

Track Listing

The Lady and the Fool

• Choreography: John Cranko
• Music: Giuseppe Verdi, arranged by Charles Mackerras
  • La Capricciosa: Svetlana Beriosova
  • Moondog: Ronald Hynd
  • Bootface: Ray Powell
  • The Prince of Arroganza: Peter Wright
  • Signor Midas: David Shields
  • Capitano Adoncino: Bob Stevenson
  • Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
  • Conductor: Charles Mackerras
  • Broadcast on 3 May 1959

Pineapple Poll

• Choreography: John Cranko
• Music: Arthur Sullivan, arranged by Charles Mackerras
  • Pineapple Poll: Merle Park
  • Captain Belaye: David Blair
  • Jasper: Stanley Holden
  • Blanche: Brenda Taylor
  • Mrs. Dimple: Gerd Larsen
  • Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
  • Conductor: Charles Mackerras
  • Broadcast on 1 November 1959

Publishers

• ICA Classics
• BBC

Hashtags

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