The Bolshoi Ballet II

Russian recordings of ballet performances had been poor. These are a big step up using Japanese technical expertise. The performances are powerful. The notes need better translation to English.

Fires of Paris alone is worth the price tag. Natalie Osipova is incredible.

Great

I must make it clear that I have watched only ONE of the four ballets so far, but although I should have reviewed it as an individual DVD for some strange reason I cannot find the appropriate comments to add mine also. All the " single DVD " comments mention other leading dancers. So here goes with "Spartacus" with Irek Muhkamedov as the star. I saw his earlier ( ? ) version of this with Natalya Bessmertnova on BBC years ago, and was amazed. This time I watched the whole performance as it was mesmerising. I think that the choreography for the male dancers was brilliant. The camerawork was just right, without too many close ups of ballet shoes, muscles and sweaty faces. Although at times the camera could have been a bit closer, I know that it is a huge stage. All four lead roles were exceptional, and the emotion and drama perfectly expressed, due in no small part to the exquisite music. Although I like classical ballet it would be challenging for a modern choreographer to create an up to date version. As a set of four DVDs, it was well worth the money, and I shall look forward to seeing and reviewing the other three Ballets, which are The Stone Flower, Raymonda and Ivan The Terrible. I am not in a position to say whether this version is the best, but I am sure it won't be far behind.

I will be watching these DVDs repeatedly I do not claim a deep or wide knowledge of ballet I just enjoy watching it. To get five stars I would have to receive something better than expected I expacted these to be good and was not disappointed.

Ballet performances of traditional Russian subjects inspired by folk tales very familiar to the Russian public. An ideal opportunity to view stylised story telling which is less familiar to western audiences.

Great ballet!

Eccellente cofanetto con vantaggiosissima offerta di 4 DVD di prestigioso Balletto Classico BOLSHOI !Venditore NAGIRY serio, e ancora una volta dimostratosi pienamente affidabile, con valutazione 5 stelle!