Léo Delibes: Sylvia – The Royal Ballet, Choreography by Frederick Ashton | DVD

UPC: 809478009863

Product Features

• Composer: Léo Delibes (1836-1891)
• Ballet: Sylvia (Ballet in three acts)
• Performers:Choreography: Frederick Ashton
  • Sylvia: Darcey Bussell
  • Aminta: Roberto Bolle
  • Orion: Thiago Soares
  • Eros: Martin Harvey
  • Diana: Mara Galeazzi
• Orchestra: Orchestra of The Royal Opera House
• Conductor: Graham Bond
• Stage Lighting: Mark Jonathan
• Original Designs: Robin & Christopher Ironside
• Additional Designs: Peter Farmer
• Production Realisation and Staging: Christopher Newton
• DVD Format: NTSC, All Regions
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
• Sound Format: LPCM Stereo
• Picture Format: 16:9 Anamorphic
• Running Time: Approx. 113 minutes

Overview

In this magnificent production of Léo Delibes' Sylvia, performed by The Royal Ballet, Darcey Bussell and Roberto Bolle take center stage in a ballet masterpiece choreographed by Frederick Ashton. First premiered in 1952, this three-act ballet is restored to its full glory to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Royal Ballet. Based on a story from Greek mythology, Sylvia tells the tale of the huntress Sylvia, her love for the shepherd Aminta, her abduction by the villainous Orion, and her ultimate rescue by Eros, the god of love.

This performance, recorded at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, highlights the elegance and virtuosity of Ashton's choreography, including the iconic Act 3 pas de deux. Ashton’s signature style, filled with intricate footwork, lyrical expressiveness, and humor, shines through in this production, enhanced by the exquisite sets and costumes designed by Robin & Christopher Ironside and Peter Farmer. Conducted by Graham Bond, the Orchestra of The Royal Opera House brings Delibes’ enchanting score to life.

Interesting Facts

• Darcey Bussell, one of the most celebrated British ballerinas, delivers a mesmerizing performance as Sylvia, blending technical prowess with lyrical beauty.
• Roberto Bolle, a leading male dancer of his generation, portrays Aminta with grace and strength, capturing the character’s devotion and heroism.
• Frederick Ashton’s choreography for Sylvia is regarded as one of his finest works, blending classical ballet with storytelling rooted in myth and legend.
• The ballet was originally choreographed by Louis Mérante in 1876 but became truly iconic after Ashton’s reinterpretation in 1952.
• Sylvia was chosen for the 75th-anniversary celebration of The Royal Ballet, as Ashton played a key role in shaping the company’s artistic identity.

Track Listing

Act I: The forest – Sylvia, a huntress, is loved by Aminta but abducted by Orion.
Act II: Orion’s cave – Sylvia resists Orion’s advances but is freed by Eros.
Act III: The temple of Diana – Aminta and Sylvia are reunited with the help of Eros.

Bonus Features:

• Illustrated synopsis
• Cast gallery
• Introduction by Darcey Bussell

Publishers

• Label: Opus Arte
• Release Year: 2007 (Recorded live at Royal Opera House, 2005)

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