{"title":"Carmen McRae","description":"\u003cp\u003e1920–1994. American vocalist. in the Bebop Vocal Jazz tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the premier jazz vocalists of the mid-20th century, known for sophisticated phrasing and bop-informed interpretations. Key figure in post-war vocal jazz.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"great-women-of-song-carmen-mcrae-3","title":"GREAT WOMEN OF SONG: CARMEN MCRAE","description":"Vinyl LP pressing. Verve Records releases the latest editions in it's breakout Great Women of Song series, which pays homage to the ground-breaking work and lasting impact of some of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Like her idol Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae could own a ballad and make it all her own. She could also swing every bit as hard as her other main influence, Ella Fitzgerald. Coming up during the bebop era and under the musical sway of Thelonious Monk, Carmen made a series of recordings for the Decca label that would cement her reputation and launch a career that close to 50 years. Whether in small groups or backed by a studio orchestra, Carmen McRae recorded definitive versions of songs that make up the backbones of jazz and the Great American Songbook.","brand":"VERVE","offers":[{"title":"Vinyl","offer_id":44914034409706,"sku":"602458813319","price":30.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/4293128-3268874.jpg?v=1780137845"},{"product_id":"talbot-the-winters-tale","title":"Talbot: The Winter's Tale","description":"Talbot: The Winter's Tale","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"DVD","offer_id":46012855943402,"sku":"809478011590","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/2832897.jpg?v=1778311741"},{"product_id":"tchaikovsky-the-nutcracker-royal-ballet-84087","title":"Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker \/ Royal Ballet","description":"\u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=519646\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on Blu-ray\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky\u003cbr\u003e  THE NUTCRACKER\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \"One of the very best seasonal treats for children and adults alike, the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker is a handsome, magical, thoroughly traditional rendering of ETA Hoffmann’s immortal if deeply strange story.\" -- Sunday Express\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  This all-time ballet favourite, in which young Clara is swept into a fantasy adventure when one of her Christmas presents comes to life, is at its most enchanting in Peter Wright’s glorious production – as fresh as ever in its 25th year. Tchaikovsky’s ravishing score, period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman (including an ingenious magical Christmas tree), an exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy (Miyako Yoshida) and chivalrous Prince (Steven McRae), the mysterious Drosselmeyer (Gary Avis) and vibrant dancing by The Royal Ballet make for a captivating performance. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true surround sound.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Sugar Plum Fairy – Miyako Yoshida\u003cbr\u003e  Nephew \/ Nutcracker – Ricardo Cervera \/ Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  The Prince – Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  Drosselmeyer – Gary Avis\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Royal Ballet\u003cbr\u003e  The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House\u003cbr\u003e  Koen Kessels, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Peter Wright, choreographer and director\u003cbr\u003e  (after Lev Ivanov)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, November and December 2009.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Rehearsing at White Lodge\u003cbr\u003e  - Peter Wright tells the story of The Nutcracker\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Picture format: NTSC 16:9 anamorphic\u003cbr\u003e  Sound format: LPCM Stereo 2.0 \/ DTS 5.0\u003cbr\u003e  Region code: 0 (worldwide)\u003cbr\u003e  Menu language: English\u003cbr\u003e  Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish\u003cbr\u003e  Running time: 127 mins\u003cbr\u003e  No. of DVDs: 1\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"DVD","offer_id":46013068673258,"sku":"809478010364","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/1724559.jpg?v=1778332846"},{"product_id":"tchaikovsky-the-classic-ballets-royal-ballet-71060","title":"Tchaikovsky: The Classic Ballets \/ Royal Ballet","description":"Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky\u003cbr\u003e  CLASSIC BALLETS\u003cbr\u003e  (3-DVD Box Set)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Swan Lake\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Odette \/ Odille – Marianela Nuñez\u003cbr\u003e  Prince Siegfried – Thiago Soares\u003cbr\u003e  The Princess, Siegfried’s mother – Elizabeth McGorian\u003cbr\u003e  An Evil Spirit \/ Von Rothbart – Christopher Saunders\u003cbr\u003e  The Tutor – Alastair Marriott\u003cbr\u003e  Benno – David Pickering\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Ballet\u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Valeriy Ovsyanikov, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Anthony Dowell, stage director\u003cbr\u003e  Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, choreographers \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, on 16 and 24 March 2009 \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Illustrated synopsis\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Interview with Anthony Dowell\u003cbr\u003e  - Four Swan Queens - Exclusive 30-minute conversation on the demands of dancing the role of the Swan Queen with former Prima Ballerinas\u003cbr\u003e  - Dame Beryl Grey, Dame Monica Mason, Lesley Collier and current principal Marianela Nuñez\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Nutcracker \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Sugar Plum Fairy – Miyako Yoshida\u003cbr\u003e  Nephew \/ Nutcracker – Ricardo Cervera \/ Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  The Prince – Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  Drosselmeyer – Gary Avis\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Ballet \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Koen Kessels, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Peter Wright, choreographer and director (after Lev Ivanov)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, November and December 2009 \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Rehearsing at White Lodge\u003cbr\u003e  - Peter Wright tells the story of The Nutcracker \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Sleeping Beauty \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Princess Aurora – Alina Cojocaru\u003cbr\u003e  Prince Florimund – Federico Bonelli\u003cbr\u003e  King Florestan XXIV – Christopher Saunders\u003cbr\u003e  His Queen – Elizabeth McGorian\u003cbr\u003e  Cattalabutte – Alastair Marriott\u003cbr\u003e  Carabosse – Genesia Rosato\u003cbr\u003e  Lilac Fairy – Marianela Nuñez\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Ballet \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Valeriy Ovsyanikov, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Marius Petipa, choreographer \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on 5 December 2006 \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Illustrated synopsis \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  --- \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Picture format: NTSC 16:9\u003cbr\u003e  Sound format: LPCM 2.0 \/ DTS 5.1\u003cbr\u003e  Region code: 0 (worldwide)\u003cbr\u003e  Subtitles (bonus): French, German, Spanish (Nutcracker) + Italian (Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty)\u003cbr\u003e  Running time: 7 hours 37 mins\u003cbr\u003e  No. of DVDs: 3","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"DVD","offer_id":46013068607722,"sku":"809478011194","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/2309770.jpg?v=1778289563"},{"product_id":"alices-adventures-in-wonderland-royal-ballet-talbot-50468","title":"Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - Royal Ballet \/ Talbot, Wheeldon","description":"\u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=640951\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on Blu-ray\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Joby Talbot \u003cbr\u003e  ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Ballet in 2 Acts\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Alice – Lauren Cuthbertson\u003cbr\u003e  Jack \/ Knave of Hearts – Sergei Polunin\u003cbr\u003e  Lewis Carroll \/ White Rabbit – Edward Watson\u003cbr\u003e  Mother \/ Queen of Hearts – Zenaida Yanowsky\u003cbr\u003e  Father \/ King of Hearts – Christopher Saunders\u003cbr\u003e  Magician \/ Mad Hatter – Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  Duchess – Simon Russell Beale\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Ballet\u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Barry Wordsworth, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  Christopher Wheeldon, choreography\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bob Crowley, designs\u003cbr\u003e  Nicholas Wright, scenario\u003cbr\u003e  Natasha Katz, lighting design\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 9 March 2011.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast Gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Documentary – Being Alice\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Picture format: NTSC 16:9 anamorphic\u003cbr\u003e  Sound format: LPCM 2.0 \/ DTS 5.1\u003cbr\u003e  Region code: 0 (worldwide)\u003cbr\u003e  Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish\u003cbr\u003e  Running time: 120 mins (ballet) + 30 mins (bonus)\u003cbr\u003e  No. of DVDs: 1 (DVD 9)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  R E V I E W:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cb\u003eA stimulating production. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  It is a brave company that is prepared to take such a surrealist novel and turn it into a stage show. Where film can provide the visual trickery necessary to give visual magic, theatre machinery is cumbersome and pedantic in comparison. Yet the development of technical resources and video projection can help. With ballet, a large part of the stage must be kept free of obstructions to allow ballet routines to progress unimpeded. \u003cbr\u003e  To then faithfully transfer to a video medium without high level on-line visual trickery may not ideally help the viewer. So how then has Covent Garden fared in bringing about a stimulating production? \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Very well, in fact. The prologue where Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) is taking photographs of the family group works excellently. It is set in a realistic deanery garden. Bob Crowley’s backdrop painting in faded Victorian hues is in keeping. In this opening scene we are introduced to the personalities that later appear as stereotypes in the fantasy world Alice uncovers. The only odd thing in a private deanery garden is having a nurse wheel a perambulator across the stage as if in a busy street. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Some of the settings contain more subtlety than might at first sight be noticed. Monotone backdrops, the Cheshire Cat and a paper boat are styled on the engravings found in Carroll’s first edition book. As the ballet progresses the settings become more flamboyant and graphically modern. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Particularly stunning is the Playing Cards scene. Choreography and costumes strike just the right note. A clever routine with a segmented Cheshire Cat allows believable animation. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  As one might expect, the dancing is up to the exacting standards of the corps with a Covent Garden reputation. The problem of having Alice change size was well contrived and Lauren Cuthbertson’s acting is excellent. The character of the White Rabbit is extremely officious throughout I noticed, yet pales before the bombastic pomp of the Queen of Hearts (Zenaida Yanowsky). \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The orchestra plays well under the secure direction of Barry Wordsworth, a conductor not seen enough of nowadays. Talbot’s music has facets of talent and although classical harmony is mainly maintained, it is heavy, strongly percussive and is often reminiscent of the fight scene of West Side Story. One could hardly call the music melodious which is a pity as it misses out in appealing to the younger generation for whom the story is intended. I find the scoring unnecessarily heavy and is an ill fit with the elegance of classical ballet choreography. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The DVD is divided into play chapters, and contains a gallery photographs of the key dancers. It has the bonus of a well compiled and informative BBC documentary ‘Being Alice’. In it we see the planning, realisation and execution of the staging through the eyes of the principal dancer, Lauren Cuthbertson. Subtitles are provided in English, French, German and Spanish. In-depth background production notes with synopsis by David Nice are written in English, French and German. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  -- Raymond J Walker, MusicWeb International\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"DVD","offer_id":46013092135146,"sku":"809478010562","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/1900726.jpg?v=1778325348"},{"product_id":"talbot-the-winters-tale-briskin-royal-opera-84145","title":"Talbot: The Winter's Tale \/ Briskin, Royal Opera House Ballet [blu-ray]","description":"\u003cb\u003eThis Blu-ray Disc is only playable on Blu-ray Disc players and not compatible with standard DVD players.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=1653187\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on standard DVD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Following his delightful full-length ballet Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Christopher Wheeldon continues his highly successful collaboration with designer Bob Crowley and composer Joby Talbot to create his first ballet based on a Shakespeare play, the late romance The Winter’s Tale. The story follows the destruction of marriage through consuming jealousy, the abandonment of a child, and a seemingly hopeless love. Yet through remorse and regret–and after a statue comes miraculously to life–the ending is one of forgiveness and reconciliation. It is powerful material for ballet, with a story that allows for the portrayal of intense emotions between and within the characters, and the opportunity for the Company to create not just new central characters, but the whole world around them.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e ACCLAIM\u003cbr\u003e  “Steven McRae and Sarah Lamb lead the company in flurries of joyful movement in a buoyant Act II, as the plot turns into a hugely enjoyable caper. By the time they’re in a chase across the high seas, you’ll be hooked.” - Evening Standard\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “‘A game-changer for Wheeldon’ – Christopher Wheeldon rises to the challenge of translating Shakespeare into dance, creating one of most fully achieved story ballets to be staged at Covent Garden in years. Yet Christopher Wheeldon has turned these challenges into inspiration. Together with composer Joby Talbot and designer Bob Crowley (whose mix of video, light and set design vividly illuminates the story), Wheeldon has used this play to develop the most expressive and inventive dance language we’ve yet seen from him.” - The Guardian\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"Blu-Ray","offer_id":46013453893866,"sku":"809478071570","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/2832899.jpg?v=1779055683"},{"product_id":"frederick-ashton-br-110024","title":"Mendelssohn: The Dream - Franck: Symphonic Variations - Liszt: Marguerite and Armand \/ Plasson, Royal Opera House [Blu-ray]","description":"\u003cb\u003eThis Blu-ray Disc is only playable on Blu-ray Disc players and not compatible with standard DVD players.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=2272705\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on standard DVD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThis exciting release presents three contrasting ballets by The Royal Ballet’s Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton: The Dream (1964) is an enchanting adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to music by Mendelssohn. Symphonic Variations (1946) is an early Ashton masterpiece, and a breathtaking, abstract work on the beauty of pure movement. Marguerite and Armand (1963), here danced by former Royal Ballet Principal Zenaida Yanowsky and Guest Artist Roberto Bolle, is a tragic love story of great lyric beauty. The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House is conducted by Emmanuel Plasson. Each of these performances received stellar reviews. \"First-rate dancing in an Ashton triple bill that offers comedy, serenity and demi-monde ardour. In one of her final performances as principal, Zenaida Yanowsky gives a tremendously intense and intelligent performance as the tragic courtesan\" (The Stage) \"A passionate tribute to an all-time genius The Royal Ballet is bringing this season – and its 70th-birthday celebrations – to a close with a perfectly chosen trio of works by its founder choreographer Frederick Ashton (1904-1988), works that remind us just how brightly and variously his genius blazed.\" (The Daily Telegraph)","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"Blu-Ray","offer_id":46025387278570,"sku":"809478072409","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/3809527_853f27c4-b02a-40c7-87b0-c42aa27c7518.jpg?v=1778261766"},{"product_id":"tchaikovsky-the-nutcracker-royal-ballet-blu-ray-129554","title":"Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker \/ Royal Ballet [Blu-ray]","description":"\u003cb\u003eNote: This Blu-ray Disc is only playable on Blu-ray Disc players and not compatible with standard DVD players.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=519644\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on standard DVD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky\u003cbr\u003e  THE NUTCRACKER\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Sugar Plum Fairy – Miyako Yoshida\u003cbr\u003e  Nephew \/ Nutcracker – Ricardo Cervera \/ Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  The Prince – Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  Drosselmeyer – Gary Avis\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Royal Ballet\u003cbr\u003e  The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House\u003cbr\u003e  Koen Kessels, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Peter Wright, choreographer and director\u003cbr\u003e  (after Lev Ivanov)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, November and December 2009.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Rehearsing at White Lodge\u003cbr\u003e  - Peter Wright tells the story of The Nutcracker\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Picture format: 1080i High Definition \u003cbr\u003e  Sound format: LPCM Stereo 2.0 \/ DTS 5.0\u003cbr\u003e  Region code: 0 (worldwide)\u003cbr\u003e  Menu language: English\u003cbr\u003e  Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish\u003cbr\u003e  Running time: 127 mins\u003cbr\u003e  No. of Discs: 1 (BD 50)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  R E V I E W:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003ctitle\u003e3444070.az_TCHAIKOVSKY_Nutcracker_Koen_Kessels.html\u003c\/title\u003e  \u003cmeta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html; charset=utf-8\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan class=\"COMPOSER12\"\u003eTCHAIKOVSKY \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12bi\"\u003eThe Nutcracker \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"BULLET12\"\u003e • \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e Koen Kessels, cond; Iohna Loots (\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003eClara\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e); Ricardo Cervera (\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e); Gary Avis (\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003eDrosselmeyer\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e); Genesia Rosato (\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003eDancing Mistress\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e); David Pickering (\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003eMouse King\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e); Miyako Yoshida (\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003eSugar Plum Fairy\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e); Steven McRae (\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003ePrince\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e); Royal Op O \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"BULLET12\"\u003e • \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e OPUS ARTE 1036 (DVD); OA BD7072D (Blu-ray) (127:00 \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003eText and Translation) Live: Covent Garden 11\/26 and 12\/2\/2009 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan class=\"EXTRAS12\"\u003e\u0026amp; \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12bi\"\u003eRehearsing at White Lodge\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e (10:12); Peter Wright tells the \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12i\"\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan class=\"ARIAL12\"\u003e story (8:56) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan\u003eIf you are one of those who think there’s nothing new under the sun, particularly so far as \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eThe Nutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e goes, this production will turn your world on its ear. Moreover, it is the very best \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e production, and performance, I’ve ever seen in my life, and I’ve seen some good ones (Cincinnati Ballet’s classic 1970s production, elements of which were “borrowed” by ballet companies around the country; Balanchine’s not-so-classic New York production of the same decade; and Baryshnikov’s unusual but ultimately failed attempt at it in the 1980s). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan\u003eChoreographer Peter Wright, now 81, has first and foremost revamped the narrative of the plot to make it more sensible and, in both plot restructuring and staging, managed to make the usually fragmented and boring act II more continuous with act I. Second, it is, in costuming and set design, both lavish and traditional, yet with numerous little touches that clearly point to an updating. And third, it is so well cast, from the principal roles down to the very last flower, mirliton, mouse, and child dancer, that it is almost mind-boggling. In short, this is as close to a perfect \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e as you are likely to see in your lifetime. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan\u003eIt’s so good, in fact, that I must say this, it was not merely a pleasure but a privilege for me to review it. If it weren’t so obvious that every single cast member is really enjoying himself or herself in addition to being brilliant onstage, it might have been one of those cold-but-perfect experiences that continue to crop up on video, but everyone certainly looks as if they enjoy giving this performance as much as the audience enjoys watching it. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan\u003ePride of place goes to Miyako Yoshida as the Sugar Plum Fairy rather than Iohna Loots as Clara, but only because Yoshida is jaw-droppingly stunning whereas Loots is “merely” fabulous. Principal ballerina of the Royal Ballet for at least a decade, Yoshida gives here a performance on par with late-period Margot Fonteyn. There are a few very tiny breaks in form, but otherwise, she is perfect. And I mean PERFECT. I even get the impression that Loots herself enjoys watching this performance—how could she not? Yet Loots is an exceptional dancer, with outstanding \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eentrechats\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e and excellent form. It also helps, from the believability standpoint, that she is a very small woman with a youthful face, so it is quite easy for her to play a 14-years-old without the audience thinking, “14, my eye.” Ricardo Cervera, as her nutcracker and, later, prince, is equally outstanding. He’s the best I’ve seen in many a year, capable of extraordinary leaps, fancy footwork, and spins that put me in mind of Roman Jasinski. In the second act, he even joins the Russian dancers and takes center stage during the kazatsky! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan\u003eWright’s genius is in rethinking the entire \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e plot, divorcing the first act from the shattered remnants of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story (which had been thoroughly diluted by Marius Petipa in the first place) and creating a new narrative structure into which everything fits. In Wright’s \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eNutcracker,\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e Drosselmeyer had previously invented a trap for a royal household that killed off half the mouse population. In revenge, the wicked Mouse Queen cast a spell over his nephew, Hans-Peter, turning him into an ugly nutcracker doll. The only way to break the spell is for a young girl to love and care for him despite his awful appearance, and have him slay the Mouse King. In this context, Wright creates a prelude scene played out during the overture, showing Drosselmeyer in his study, looking longingly at a portrait of his cursed nephew and wrapping up the “nutcracker” as a Christmas gift for his favorite niece, Clara. In this production, Drosselmeyer forsakes the usual grotesque makeup and costuming borrowed from Hoffmann; he is older but distinguished-looking, wearing a flowing cape (which Gary Avis really knows how to throw around the stage!), performing numerous magic tricks for his family at the Christmas party (and which he pulls off splendidly), and continuing his appearance after most Drosselmeyers have disappeared for the duration. He comes out of the standing “owl clock” to direct the scene during the growing of the tree, sprinkles glitter across the stage to presage the appearance of angels (who really do appear to be floating across the stage … watch their controlled positions in these and other scenes!), and brings in the magic carriage that takes Clara and the now-transformed Hans-Peter to the second act, where Drosselmeyer puts on an entertainment to salute both of them for their bravery. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan\u003eThis new scenario works brilliantly and, as I said, it establishes continuity in the second act by having Cervera and Loots participate in some of the dances. Costuming and lighting are flawless, and the entire production has the quality of a dream. Not just the angels, but everyone else as well, appears to be literally floating across the stage as they move with the gossamer lighting effects and their controlled body positioning. Mother Goose is dispensed with (thank goodness). At the end, Hans-Peter puts his cloak over Clara’s bare shoulders as a keepsake, then returns to his uncle’s study—the very scene of the opening—to be embraced by the older man and bring closure to the entire production. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan\u003eIf you are a \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e fan, or know someone who is, you MUST buy this DVD. If you are a choreographer or set designer, you must see how Wright and set designer Julia Oman work hand-in-glove to produce a masterpiece. And if you’re a dancer, you need to have this disc in your collection to watch, over and over and over again. You won’t believe your eyes at the sheer perfection of it all. Your jaw will drop, too, and you’ll understand how the usually staid Covent Garden audience goes absolutely berserk, screaming and applauding this \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e—and particularly Yoshida—in a way British audiences rarely do. The bonus rehearsal sequence shows, as usual, some of the hard work behind the perfection, but also shows how Wright prods, cajoles, and encourages the children into giving their best—and, as he puts it, “for heaven’s sake, \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style:italic\"\u003eenjoy yourself!” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cspan style=\"font-weight:bold\"\u003eFANFARE: Lynn René Bayley \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"Blu-Ray","offer_id":46025516876010,"sku":"809478070726","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/1745613.jpg?v=1778386072"},{"product_id":"frederick-ashton-71063","title":"Mendelssohn: The Dream - Franck: Symphonic Variations - Liszt: Marguerite and Armand \/ Plasson, Royal Opera House","description":"\u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=2272707\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on Blu-ray\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e This exciting release presents three contrasting ballets by The Royal Ballet’s Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton: The Dream (1964) is an enchanting adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to music by Mendelssohn. Symphonic Variations (1946) is an early Ashton masterpiece, and a breathtaking, abstract work on the beauty of pure movement. Marguerite and Armand (1963), here danced by former Royal Ballet Principal Zenaida Yanowsky and Guest Artist Roberto Bolle, is a tragic love story of great lyric beauty. The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House is conducted by Emmanuel Plasson. Each of these performances received stellar reviews. \"First-rate dancing in an Ashton triple bill that offers comedy, serenity and demi-monde ardour. In one of her final performances as principal, Zenaida Yanowsky gives a tremendously intense and intelligent performance as the tragic courtesan\" (The Stage) \"A passionate tribute to an all-time genius The Royal Ballet is bringing this season – and its 70th-birthday celebrations – to a close with a perfectly chosen trio of works by its founder choreographer Frederick Ashton (1904-1988), works that remind us just how brightly and variously his genius blazed.\" (The Daily Telegraph)\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"DVD","offer_id":46025599189226,"sku":"809478012641","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/3809525.jpg?v=1778282912"},{"product_id":"talbot-alices-adventures-in-wonderland-royal-ballet-84153","title":"Talbot: Alice's Adventures In Wonderland \/ Royal Ballet [Blu-ray]","description":"\u003cb\u003eNote: This Blu-ray Disc is only playable on Blu-ray Disc players and not compatible with standard DVD players.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=640948\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on standard DVD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Joby Talbot \u003cbr\u003e  ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Ballet in 2 Acts\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Alice – Lauren Cuthbertson\u003cbr\u003e  Jack \/ Knave of Hearts – Sergei Polunin\u003cbr\u003e  Lewis Carroll \/ White Rabbit – Edward Watson\u003cbr\u003e  Mother \/ Queen of Hearts – Zenaida Yanowsky\u003cbr\u003e  Father \/ King of Hearts – Christopher Saunders\u003cbr\u003e  Magician \/ Mad Hatter – Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  Duchess – Simon Russell Beale\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Royal Ballet\u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Barry Wordsworth, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  Christopher Wheeldon, choreography\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Bob Crowley, designs\u003cbr\u003e  Nicholas Wright, scenario\u003cbr\u003e  Natasha Katz, lighting design\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Recorded live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 9 March 2011.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast Gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Documentary – Being Alice\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Picture format: 1080i High Definition \u003cbr\u003e  Sound format: LPCM 2.0 \/ DTS-HD Master Audio \u003cbr\u003e  Region code: 0 (worldwide) \u003cbr\u003e  Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish \u003cbr\u003e  Running time: 120 mins (ballet) + 30 mins (bonus) \u003cbr\u003e  No. of Discs: 1 (BD 50)\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"Blu-Ray","offer_id":46025612558570,"sku":"809478070900","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/1900751.jpg?v=1778386077"},{"product_id":"tchaikovsky-the-classic-ballets-royal-ballet-101232","title":"Tchaikovsky: The Classic Ballets \/ Royal Ballet","description":"\u003ca class=\"links\" href=\"album.jsp?album_id=1003962\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlso available on standard DVD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e   \u003cb\u003eNote: These Blu-ray Discs are playable only on Blu-ray Disc players, and not compatible with standard DVD players.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky\u003cbr\u003e  CLASSIC BALLETS\u003cbr\u003e  (3-DVD Box Set)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Swan Lake\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Odette \/ Odille – Marianela Nuñez\u003cbr\u003e  Prince Siegfried – Thiago Soares\u003cbr\u003e  The Princess, Siegfried’s mother – Elizabeth McGorian\u003cbr\u003e  An Evil Spirit \/ Von Rothbart – Christopher Saunders\u003cbr\u003e  The Tutor – Alastair Marriott\u003cbr\u003e  Benno – David Pickering\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Ballet\u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Valeriy Ovsyanikov, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Anthony Dowell, stage director\u003cbr\u003e  Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, choreographers \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, on 16 and 24 March 2009 \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Illustrated synopsis\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Interview with Anthony Dowell\u003cbr\u003e  - Four Swan Queens - Exclusive 30-minute conversation on the demands of dancing the role of the Swan Queen with former Prima Ballerinas\u003cbr\u003e  - Dame Beryl Grey, Dame Monica Mason, Lesley Collier and current principal Marianela Nuñez\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Nutcracker \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Sugar Plum Fairy – Miyako Yoshida\u003cbr\u003e  Nephew \/ Nutcracker – Ricardo Cervera \/ Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  The Prince – Steven McRae\u003cbr\u003e  Drosselmeyer – Gary Avis\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Ballet \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Koen Kessels, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Peter Wright, choreographer and director (after Lev Ivanov)\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, November and December 2009 \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Rehearsing at White Lodge\u003cbr\u003e  - Peter Wright tells the story of The Nutcracker \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Sleeping Beauty \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Princess Aurora – Alina Cojocaru\u003cbr\u003e  Prince Florimund – Federico Bonelli\u003cbr\u003e  King Florestan XXIV – Christopher Saunders\u003cbr\u003e  His Queen – Elizabeth McGorian\u003cbr\u003e  Cattalabutte – Alastair Marriott\u003cbr\u003e  Carabosse – Genesia Rosato\u003cbr\u003e  Lilac Fairy – Marianela Nuñez\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Ballet \u003cbr\u003e  Royal Opera House Orchestra\u003cbr\u003e  Valeriy Ovsyanikov, conductor\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Marius Petipa, choreographer \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on 5 December 2006 \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Bonus:\u003cbr\u003e  - Cast gallery\u003cbr\u003e  - Illustrated synopsis \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  --- \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Picture format: 1080i High Definition Sound format: LPCM 2.0 \/ DTS 5.1 Region code: 0 (worldwide) Subtitles (bonus): French, German, Spanish (Nutcracker) + Italian (Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty) Running time: 7 hours 37 mins No. of Discs: 3 (Blu-ray) \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  R E V I E W S:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  This generally acclaimed Royal Ballet production of Swan Lake follows on the heels of the somewhat disappointing Blu-ray Mariinsky performance starring Ulyana Lopatkina (Odette\/Odile) and conducted by Valery Gergiev (Fanfare 32:5). Both versions are based on the choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, with additional choreography for the Royal Ballet production by the esteemed Frederick Ashton. Any Swan Lake revolves around the central roles of Odette\/Odile. In the case of Marianela Nuñez versus Lopatkina, one is not necessarily better than the other. Rather, they are very different. Nuñez is all about elegance, grace, and smooth, legato flow. She exhibits a persistent and rather resigned sadness and vulnerability in the white swan act. It is critical that there is ample contrast as Odile. In the ballroom scene, Nuñez is far more animated, saucy, and seductive. She cannot match Lopatkina’s flawless, almost surgically precise technique, but Lopatkina is cold, sterile, and certainly not very vulnerable as Odette. Nuñez radiates humanity in her finely nuanced but somewhat subdued acting. Thiago Soares (Siegfried) clearly has developed admirable rapport with Nuñez (apparently offstage as well as onstage). He is far preferable to the terminally bland Danila Korsuntsev in the Mariinsky Swan Lake. Conductor Valeriy Ovsyanikov, as in his Royal Ballet Sleeping Beauty, applies generally fast tempos, with an emphasis on clarity of instrumental lines. Compared to Antal Dorati in his legendary Mercury recording, Ovsyanikov can be equated with an overdose of valium. This beautifully staged Swan Lake is just too sedate. The whole thing gives the impression of a subdued and reverential allegiance to tradition. The sumptuous sets evoking Imperial Russia (presumably in the time of Tchaikovsky) and colorful costumes are gorgeous. The high-resolution sound features excellent mid-range detail, sparkling high frequencies, and warm bass. Extras include a short interview with Anthony Dowell discussing Swan Lake and this production, and a more lengthy presentation entitled “Four Swan Queens.” The comments of the four ladies are pretty superficial, with a few interesting anecdotes. The young Nuñez appears to be intimidated or deferential to the three older prima ballerinas to the point where she has little to say.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  This production offers nothing that is new or remotely controversial. Viewers will have to choose between Lopatkina’s technical perfection and the lyrical grace of the far more likable Nuñez (who, by the way, is no slouch from a purely technical standpoint). Neither Ovsyanikov nor Gergiev are particularly memorable when compared to the electricity generated by Dorati. If I had to choose, I would probably go with the Royal Ballet, primarily because of Nuñez and her obvious rapport with Soares.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  -- Arthur Lintgen, Fanfare [3-4\/2010]  \u003ci\u003ereviewing blu-ray version of Swan Lake\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The Royal Ballet’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty , which debuted in 2006, is based on their successful 1946 staging with designs by Oliver Messel. Visually, this is a significant improvement over the RB’s 1994 Sleeping Beauty designed by Maria Bjørnson. The sets used in 1994 had an immediate “Wow!” factor when first viewed (wild perspectives), but quickly wore out their welcome and so dominated the stage they detracted from the dancers. Adding to the visual impairment were many costumes that matched the scenery in color and tone, further reducing the prominence of the dancers. The new sets are beautiful. They’re very old-fashioned wing and drop; painted in warm colors that are nicely subdued so they offer a pleasant backdrop and the dancers stand out. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Marius Petipa is credited with the choreography in both productions, but contributions from Frederick Ashton, Anthony Dowell, and Christopher Wheeldon are noted. Further credit for this 2006 production is also given to Monica Mason and Christopher Newton “after Ninette de Valois and Nicholas Sergeyev.” Sergeyev was Petipa’s assistant. The original designs by Oliver Messel are augmented and interpreted by Peter Farmer. The result of their efforts is a very classy Sleeping Beauty that is a joy to watch. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The dancing in both 1994 and 2006 productions is of a very high order. Of the six principal roles (Aurora, Florimund, Carabosse, Lilac Fairy, Florine, and Blue Bird), there are individual differences between the two casts, and one significant casting difference. In 2006, Carabosse is played by a woman, Genesia Rosato, in a role usually performed by a man. Anthony Dowell’s Carabosse in 1994 is something to behold. Looking like he just rose from the swamp, he dominates the stage whenever he appears. In comparison, Rosato in 2006 is more restrained, offering a character reminiscent of a blend between Mrs. Danvers and Elsa Lancaster in Bride of Frankenstein. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Alina Cojocaru and Federico Bonelli are nicely paired as Aurora and Florimund. Neither is as flashy as their 1994 counterparts, but they combine technical expertise with convincing acting. They look like royalty from Fairy Land, and like they care about each other. In the 1994 cast, Viviana Durante and Zoltan Solymosi, were significantly mismatched in height (I’ve read Durante was a last minute stand-in for a taller dancer), and they were only superficially into their characters, but they still offered impressive performances. Durante is tiny and elflike; being on point seemed natural to her. During the Rose Adagio she so successfully achieved her balance she refused the fourth courtier’s hand. Solymosi doesn’t have quite the technical expertise of Federico Bonelli, but Solymosi, one of the tallest dancers on the stage, has stage presence in abundance. He commands attention even when standing still. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  Conductor Valeriy Ovsyanikov pulls all the Romantic stops out of Tchaikovsky’s unabashedly flamboyant score, in contrast to Barry Wordsworth’s more elegant approach. Carabosse’s curse, the Rose Adagio, the finale, and Apothéose benefitted from Ovsyanikov’s muscular conducting, whereas the waltzes, the Panorama, the character dances, and the adagio in the act III Pas de deux were more lovingly handled by Wordsworth. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  The 1994 Sleeping Beauty is full screen; the 2006 is wide screen. Ross MacGibbon, the video director in 2006 was listed as editor in 1994. His part in both of these videos is restrained and rarely intrudes on the dancing. There are some shots of bouncing torsos (dancers viewed from the waist up) when I would have preferred to see the entire performer, but MacGibbon’s direction in this Sleeping Beauty is how I wish more of these videos of stage performances were filmed, a vast improvement over his direction of the Mariinsky Swan Lake (see Fanfare 31:5). \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  There are some cuts to the score (a few numbers are deleted, a few are shortened), but the abridgements are slight and the key dances, such as the Rose Adagio, are presented in full. The image is bright and clear; the sound, available in either LPCM stereo or DTS Digital surround is excellent. The Sleeping Beauty has long been one of the Royal Ballet’s premier productions; this 1946 updated to 2006 version does the company proud. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  -- David L. Kirk, Fanfare\u003cbr\u003e   \u003ci\u003ereviewing Sleeping Beauty\u003c\/i\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"Blu-Ray","offer_id":46025612919018,"sku":"809478071310","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/2309772.jpg?v=1778388707"},{"product_id":"ashton-les-patineurs-divertissements-scenes-de-ballet-65856","title":"Ashton: Les Patineurs, Divertissements, Scenes De Ballet \/ Royal Opera House Ballet","description":"\u003cspan\u003eAn all-Ashton DVD is a treat, for apart from several full-length ballets we have been lacking examples of the choreographer’s work in shorter pieces. \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLes Patineurs\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e is a hardy classic, dating from 1937, and makes a wonderful introduction to the work of one of the major choreographers of the 20th century. Meyerbeer’s catchy music inspires Ashton not only in the \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003epas de deux\u003c\/span\u003e  \u003cspan\u003e with its fan lifts, but also the male solo, which is as virtuoso as can be. The dancers maintain a skating step throughout, but it is the variety of which Ashton is master that continues to astound us. The dueling girls who try to outdo one another offer further examples of virtuosity, which make us wonder at the qualities of the dancers of 75 years ago. Today, with Stephen McRae as the Blue Boy and Sarah Lamb and Rupert Pennefeather as the Lovers, we can still sense the excitement of balletgoers of an earlier epoch. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eScènes de Ballet\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e is a postwar creation that has never achieved the widespread currency of \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003ePatineurs\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e, yet remains a signal piece in Ashton’s oeuvre, much as \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSymphonic Variations,\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e of which we desperately need documentation. A lead couple is supported by four men and a corps of women, and the choreographer continually astounds us with the patterns he weaves. His response to Stravinsky is perhaps not as direct as that of Balanchine, but then Mr. B never gave us his version of this “dancy” work. It is nonetheless fascinating to watch the Ashtonian sensibility at work, while Miyako Yoshida and Ivan Putrov show off both the music and the choreography. Ashton’s delicate references to such classics as the Rose Adagio from \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSleeping Beauty\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e cannot be missed. André Beaurepaire’s sets and costumes are the only things that appear dated in what is otherwise a major contribution to the repertoire of the Royal Ballet. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cspan\u003eThe divertissements show Ashton’s craftsmanship in the “Awakening” \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003epas de deux\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e from \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSleeping Beauty\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e with the ravishing Darcey Bussell and Jonathan Cope; two excerpts from a wartime ballet created for American Ballet Theatre; \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDevil’s Holiday\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e, especially the man’s solo eloquently danced by Viacheslav Samodurov; and three \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003epièces d’occasion\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e: a duet to the Méditation from Massenet’s \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eThaïs\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e (Mara Galeazzi and Thiago Soares), \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eFive Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e (Tamara Rojo), and the \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eVoices of Spring pas de deux\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e (Leanne Benjamin and Carlos Acosta). The Brahms is the most interesting of the lot as Ashton had seen Duncan when he was a young man, and later created his own work for Lynn Seymour. Rojo is astounding in this re-creation, as she conveys Ashton’s own impressions but also embodies much of what one has read about Duncan in other sources. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eFANFARE: Joel Kasow \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"DVD","offer_id":46025614328042,"sku":"809478010647","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/1925859_b525eeaa-e723-43b3-bd95-19f967c215b0.jpg?v=1778254331"},{"product_id":"rhapsody-the-two-pigeons-ashton-wordsworth-orchestra-213230","title":"Rhapsody \u0026 The Two Pigeons \/ Ashton, Wordsworth, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House [Blu-ray]","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis release features two Frederick Ashton ballets in one exquisite evening performance. Principals Natalia Osipova and Steven McRae dance Ashton’s Rhapsody, created for The Royal Ballet in 1980 by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lesley Collier, with spectacular choreography to suite the dancers’ star reputations. Lauren Cuthbertson and Vadim Muntagirov lead a charismatic cast in Ashton’s poignant and heart-warming reflection on love, The Two Pigeons, based on an old French folk tale and first performed on Valentines Day 1961. These two ballets from the company’s founder choreographer capture The Royal Ballet’s famous skill and distinctive style. Barry Wordsworth conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in the rapturous Rachmaninoff and Messager scores. Financial Times gave this performance five stars, stating: “…Steven McRae… cutting tremendous shapes in the air, wrapping the score round himself…”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"Blu-Ray","offer_id":46025913467114,"sku":"809478071808","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/3485697.jpg?v=1778297650"},{"product_id":"liebermann-frankenstein","title":"Liebermann: Frankenstein","description":"Royal Ballet Principals Federico Bonelli, Laura Morera and Steven McRae dance the lead roles in Liam Scarlett's new ballet, based on the world's most famous work of horror fiction, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This ambitious theatrical collaboration brings the novel to life with spectacular period sets and costumes by John Macfarlane and a newly commissioned score by Lowell Liebermann. Scarlett's choreography draws out the emotional power of this classic story. Passionate encounters between Victor, Elizabeth and the Creature express their torment, regret, anger, yearning and love.","brand":"Opus Arte","offers":[{"title":"Blu-Ray","offer_id":46028022644970,"sku":"809478071822","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/3551671.jpg?v=1778378880"},{"product_id":"great-women-of-song-carmen-mcrae","title":"GREAT WOMEN OF SONG: CARMEN MCRAE","description":"Verve Records releases the latest editions in it's breakout Great Women of Song series, which pays homage to the ground-breaking work and lasting impact of some of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Like her idol Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae could own a ballad and make it all her own. She could also swing every bit as hard as her other main influence, Ella Fitzgerald. Coming up during the bebop era and under the musical sway of Thelonious Monk, Carmen made a series of recordings for the Decca label that would cement her reputation and launch a career that close to 50 years. Whether in small groups or backed by a studio orchestra, Carmen McRae recorded definitive versions of songs that make up the backbones of jazz and the Great American Songbook.","brand":"VERVE","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":46055177847018,"sku":"602458813302","price":14.62,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/files\/4293090-3268865.jpg?v=1780080187"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/3423\/3066\/collections\/960px-Carmen_McRae_1960_press_photo.jpg?v=1777586081","url":"https:\/\/arkivmusic.com\/collections\/carmen-mcrae.oembed","provider":"ArkivMusic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}