Stravinsky: The Firebird & Les Noces - Royal Ballet (DVD Set)

UPC: 809478000235

Product Features

• Ballet Title: The Firebird and Les Noces
• Composer: Igor Stravinsky
• Lead Cast:
  • The Firebird:
    • Leanne Benjamin as The Firebird
    • Jonathan Cope as Ivan Tsarevich
    • Genesia Rosato as The Beautiful Tsarevna
    • David Drew as The Immortal Kostchei
  • Les Noces:
    • Zenaida Yanowsky as The Bride
    • David Pickering as The Bridegroom
• Choreographer:Designs, Scenery, and Costumes: Natalia Gontcharova
  • The Firebird: Mikhail Fokine
  • Les Noces: Bronislava Nijinska
• Orchestra: The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
• Television Producer: Bob Lockyer
• Television Director: Ross MacGibbon
• DVD Producer: James Whitbourn
• Executive Producer for BBC: Jans Carter
• Subtitle Languages: Not specified
• Audio Formats: Dolby Surround Sound, LPCM Stereo
• Region: All Regions (NTSC)
• Format: 16:9 Anamorphic
• Running Time: Not specified
• Release Year: 2001
• Extra Features:
  • "Nijinska's World" – David Drew reminisces about his role in Nijinska’s staging of Les Noces for the Royal Ballet
  • Behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage for The Firebird and Les Noces
  • Illustrated booklet with synopses and biographies in English, French, and German

Overview

This Stravinsky Double Bill from the Royal Ballet pairs two of Igor Stravinsky's most iconic works: The Firebird and Les Noces, offering audiences a unique juxtaposition of styles, from the magical and fantastical to the stark and ritualistic. Filmed at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, this double-feature performance is a powerful showcase of the Royal Ballet’s artistry.

The Firebird, choreographed by Mikhail Fokine, is a visually stunning ballet set in a mystical world of magic and enchantment. The titular Firebird, portrayed by Leanne Benjamin, assists Ivan Tsarevich (Jonathan Cope) in defeating the evil Kostchei the Immortal (David Drew) and freeing the princesses. The vibrant choreography, coupled with Stravinsky’s captivating score, makes this performance a feast for the senses.

In contrast, Les Noces, choreographed by Bronislava Nijinska, is a stark and dramatic ballet that portrays the ritualistic elements of a Russian peasant wedding. The minimalist staging and complex choreography reflect Nijinska’s modernist style. Zenaida Yanowsky and David Pickering lead the cast, embodying the raw emotional intensity of the piece.

This DVD set is enriched with behind-the-scenes features, offering a glimpse into the creative process of staging these iconic ballets. Interviews, rehearsal footage, and a documentary on Nijinska’s work provide valuable insights into the Royal Ballet’s productions.

Interesting Facts

• Igor Stravinsky is considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, and his works like The Firebird and Les Noces revolutionized the world of ballet with their innovative scores and complex rhythms.
• Bronislava Nijinska, who choreographed Les Noces, was one of the few female choreographers of her time and the sister of legendary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. Her choreography for Les Noces is noted for its minimalist and avant-garde style.
• The Firebird is based on Russian folklore and was Stravinsky’s first collaboration with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, premiering in 1910 to great acclaim.
• Natalia Gontcharova, the designer for both ballets, was a prominent Russian artist and a key figure in the Russian avant-garde movement. Her designs add a rich, cultural layer to these performances.
• This production was recorded in High Definition and mastered with Dolby Surround Sound, ensuring a high-quality visual and auditory experience for viewers.

Track Listing (Acts)

1. The Firebird:
   • The magical world of Kostchei the Immortal and the Firebird’s role in freeing the princesses
2. Les Noces:
   • The stark and ritualistic portrayal of a Russian peasant wedding

Publishers

• Produced by: Opus Arte in association with BBC Classical Music Productions
• Co-production: BBC Worldwide and Opus Arte

Hashtags

#StravinskyBallet #TheFirebird #LesNoces #RoyalBallet #CoventGarden #LeanneBenjamin #JonathanCope #ZenaidaYanowsky #DavidPickering #OpusArte #BalletDVD #ClassicBallet #BronislavaNijinska #RussianBallet