Les Sylphides & Giselle - First DVD Release: ICA Classics Legacy Series

UPC: 5060244550308

Product Features

• Performances:
  • Les Sylphides (1953, BBC)
    • Choreography: Mikhail Fokine
    • Music: Frédéric Chopin (arranged by Roy Douglas)
    • Principal Dancers:
      • Svetlana Beriosova (Valse)
      • Violetta Elvin (Mazurka)
      • Alicia Markova (Prélude & Pas de deux)
      • John Field (Mazurka & Pas de deux)
    • Orchestra conducted by Eric Robinson
    • Corps de ballet rehearsed by Lydia Sokolova
    • Introduction by Tamara Karsavina (a founder of modern British ballet)
    • Broadcast: April 3, 1953
  • Giselle (1958, BBC)
    • Choreography after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
    • Music: Adolphe Adam
    • Principal Dancers:
      • Nadia Nerina (Giselle)
      • Nikolai Fadeyechev (Prince Albrecht)
      • Niels Bjørn Larsen (Hilarion)
    • Supporting Cast:
      • Lydia Sokolova (Giselle's Mother)
      • Margaret Hill (Myrtha, Queen of the Wills)
      • Julia Farron (Princess Bathilde)
    • The Covent Garden Orchestra conducted by Hugo Rignold
    • Broadcast: November 23, 1958
• DVD Specifications:
  • Total Running Time: 93:51 minutes
  • Format: DVD, NTSC, Region-free, PAL compatible
  • Language: English (Menus), Subtitles in French and German
  • Sound: Ambient Mastering
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3

Overview

The ICA Classics Legacy Series brings together two iconic ballet performances from the BBC archives, filmed in the 1950s and released on DVD for the first time. These beautifully restored recordings offer a glimpse into the early years of televised ballet, showcasing Svetlana Beriosova, Alicia Markova, and Nadia Nerina, three of the 20th century's greatest ballerinas.

In Les Sylphides, a ballet set to the music of Frédéric Chopin, the ethereal beauty of the Romantic ballet tradition is on full display. The performance is introduced by Tamara Karsavina, one of the pioneers of modern British ballet, adding a historical touch to this extraordinary production. The work features an outstanding cast, including Svetlana Beriosova and Alicia Markova, two of the most celebrated dancers of their time.

Giselle, one of the most beloved works in the classical ballet repertoire, is presented here in a 1958 broadcast, with Nadia Nerina in the title role and Russian star Nikolai Fadeyechev as her ill-fated lover, Prince Albrecht. This haunting story of love, betrayal, and redemption is brought to life by a stellar cast, supported by the Covent Garden Orchestra under the baton of Hugo Rignold.

Interesting Facts

• Tamara Karsavina, who introduces Les Sylphides, was instrumental in shaping British ballet, and her legacy continues to influence dancers worldwide.
• Alicia Markova was the first British dancer to become the prima ballerina assoluta, the highest honor in ballet, while Svetlana Beriosova is remembered for her lyrical grace and artistry.
• Nadia Nerina was one of the Royal Ballet's most beloved stars, known for her technical precision and emotional depth, particularly in roles like Giselle.
• The BBC recordings included in this DVD represent some of the earliest ballet broadcasts, offering rare archival footage of these historical performances.

Track Listing

1. Les Sylphides (Choreography: Mikhail Fokine, Music by Frédéric Chopin)

   • Svetlana Beriosova (Valse)
   • Violetta Elvin (Mazurka)
   • Alicia Markova (Prélude & Pas de deux)
   • John Field (Mazurka & Pas de deux)
   • Introduction by Tamara Karsavina
     Broadcast: April 3, 1953

2. Giselle (Choreography after Jean Coralli & Jules Perrot, Music by Adolphe Adam)

   • Nadia Nerina (Giselle)
   • Nikolai Fadeyechev (Prince Albrecht)
   • Niels Bjørn Larsen (Hilarion)
   • Lydia Sokolova (Giselle's Mother)
   • Margaret Hill (Myrtha, Queen of the Wills)
     Broadcast: November 23, 1958

Publishers

• ICA Classics: Known for their outstanding archival releases of classical music and dance performances.
• BBC: Pioneers in broadcasting, the BBC holds an extensive archive of some of the earliest televised performances of classical ballet.
• Covent Garden Orchestra: Accompanying the ballet performances, the orchestra has been a central part of the Royal Opera House’s musical heritage.

Hashtags

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