Tchaikovsky

Starring:Innokenti Smoktunovsky, Antonina Shuranova, Kirill Lavrov, Vladislav Strzhelchik, Maya Plisetskaya, Yevgeni Leonov, Bruno Frejndlikh, Alla Demidova, Yevgeni Yevstigneyev, Liliya Yudina, Laurence Harvey
Director: Igor Talankin
Studio: Kino Video
Product Type: DVD

Fantasia (60th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
A child's memories
GREAT BUT DATED 3 DISC SET IS NICE BUT......................
I'm a bigger fan of Lilo & Stitch!
Fantasia will amazia!

Fantasia (60th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Leopold Stokowski , Bela Lugosi , Mickey Mouse , Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra , and Walt Disney
Director: Walt Disney , James Algar , Samuel Armstrong , Ford I. Beebe , and Graham Heid
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Fantasia 2000
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Disney Special Platinum Edition)
Pinocchio (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
101 Dalmatians (Limited Issue)
Alice in Wonderland (Masterpiece Edition)

Accessories:

Fantasia 2000 (Blisterpack)

ASIN: B00003CX9W
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Amazon.com essential video

Groundbreaking on several counts, not the least of which was an innovative use of animation and stereophonic sound, this ambitious Disney feature has lost nothing to time since its release in 1940. Classical music was interpreted by Disney animators, resulting in surreal fantasy and playful escapism. Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra provided the music for eight segments by the composers Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky, Stravinsky, Beethoven, Ponchielli, Bach, Dukas, and Schubert. Not all the sequences were created equally, but a few are simply glorious, such as "Night on Bald Mountain," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," and "The Nutcracker Suite." The animation ranges from subtly delicate to fiercely bold. The screen bursts with color and action as creatures transmute and convention is thrust aside. The painstaking detail and saturated hues are unique to this film, unmatched even by more advanced technology. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-04-04

While it is not plot based or known for a memorable and charming story, it is a wonder to watch. Music creates images in most of us, whether they be memories of something prior, or something conjured up from the sound. Fantasia is based on that idea. Listening to this classic music, set to such elegant and wonderful images is a treat. One of the best of it's kind. Enjoy.

A child's memories.......2007-03-09

This is the first movie I remember seeing as a child. I was probably about 7 years old at the time. I've never forgotten it, and now, after 59 years, I'm viewing it again. It's just as wonderful as it was when I saw it the first time, although there are a couple of "bits" that I don't remember from my first viewing. It keeps me company during my treadmill walks. It does a wonderful job of helping me to pass the time. It's a beautiful combination of art and classical music.

GREAT BUT DATED 3 DISC SET IS NICE BUT.............................2007-03-08

I am a big fan of Disney films. The animated classics will be forever imprinted in my mind. I do have a huge problem with any censorship! Unfortunately, the people at Disney decided to buckle under to it, because of a few cry babies complaining about racial stereotypes in some of their films. I know I am not the first to say this,but really are these people serious? I am Italian and German, do you think I have not seen my share of stereotyping in my 45 years on this planet? Why hasn't Stromboli from Pinochhio been altered for it's depiction of an Italian? It seems we are very selective with what we censor..hhmmm!I don't mind it because I know the characterization is just that and it doesn't reflect the entire race! Please stop censorship of any kind especially regarding these historic works of art. You can not change history you can only learn from it!

I'm a bigger fan of Lilo & Stitch! .......2007-02-17

I bought it when I was on my Disney kick -- was fascinated by it for like a week and then sold it on eBay. It's great for kids though!

Fantasia will amazia!.......2007-02-16

Sorry Disney studios, but my heading was an actual promo quip for the FANTASIA theatrical release.
I was first introduced to the awareness of the Fantasia movie while in elementary school viewing a "prehistoric animation clip" narrated as a seperate dinosaur documentary. Later I learned it was taken from Walt Disney FANTASIA feature. When I finally saw the movie as a whole in the theater, I was mesmerized. "The Dance Of The Hours" sequence was especially memorable, since no one in the audience could stop laughing at the animal ballet antics.
Being a soundtrack collector, even as a young kid, I got the 3 vinyl album issue of Fantasia soundtrack on Buena Vista label, which included a program insert that was as wonderful as the movie. It even included a fold out long colorful poster which had been used to promote the re-release of Fantasia in the 70's.
Therefore I totally agree with people's opinions that this animated feature is relevant to interests of all ages, young children and adults.
I would listen to the classic movie soundtrack over and over, picturing the fantasies in my mind. This is a wonderful addition to any childs collection, whether soundtrack, movie, or both! Do not wait!

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / American Ballet Theatre, Murphy, Corella

Average customer rating:

Very American
Amazing!
Marcelo Gomes steals the show
Virtuoso
Another Swan

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / American Ballet Theatre, Murphy, Corella
Starring: Marcelo Gomes , Gillian Murphy , and Angel Corella
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Aurelie Dupont, Manuel Legris, Vincent Cordier, Nathalie Quernet, Laurent Queval, Paris Opera Ballet
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli
Balanchine - Jewels / Aurelie Dupont, Alessio Carbone, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Agnes Letestu, Jean-Guillaume Bart, Clairemarie Osta, Kader Belarbi, Paris Opera Ballet
The Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky / Sheherazade, La Spectre de la Rose, The Polovtsian Dances, The Firebird
Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre

ASIN: B000AYEI9A
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Product Description

Like all the best tales of enchantment, Swan Lake involves a beautiful princess, a passionate prince and a really major obstacle to their happiness. That obstacle is the wicked sorcerer von Rothbart (a dual role, danced by Marcelo Gomes and Isaac Stappas), who, in the prologue to Kevin McKenzie's adaptation, captures the Princess Odette and turns her into a swan by night. Only if a young man pledges his love and marries her, can the evil spell be broken. But should he betray her, she will remain a swan forever. Beloved by audiences for its exquisite performances and striking visuals, Kevin McKenzie's lavish new rendition of the timeless classic starring the exquisite young ballerina, Gillian Murphy, and the extraordinary Angel Corella now comes to DVD in all its enchanting glory. "The blockbuster production of the dance season" -The New York Times "A spectacle of shimmering light." -The Washington Post 5.1/DTS gi1.78:1 gi16x9 gi113 mins. "ABT returns the love story to Swan Lake?fast-moving splendidly detailed and delightfully entertaining!" -The Chicago Tribune

System Requirements:

Running Time 112 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Very American.......2007-04-24

Technically, it is amazing, all dancers are very energetic. Artistically, it is ...... . Murphy seems to be trying very hard, but obviously she does not fit the role. Corella is still like a boy. They all good dancers but not so good actors. It is more or less like a gymnastic show, watchable and maybe a bit exciting.

Amazing!.......2007-04-23

This production was one of the best ballets I have ever seen! The sets and costumes were beautiful and very elaborate adding to the dazzle of this performance. Gillian Murphy's Odette/Odile is stunning to watch.

Marcelo Gomes steals the show.......2007-04-20

While I love Angel Corella, this was not his best role. Gillian Murphy is undeniably a great technician but she has not earned the title of "Artist" in my opinion. She basically has 2 facial expressions throughout the whole performance. She has her sad Odette face and her scarey Odile snarl. While Corella and Murphy both dance the roles well, there is zero chemistry between them, almost to the point of awkwardness.

Marcelo Gomes as "Rothbart" however, steals the show with his beautiful technique and a commanding stage presence.

The DVD is beautifully shot and the staging is very well done but the performances themselves do not rank among my favorite Swan Lake performances.

Virtuoso.......2007-04-11

Loved it loved it loved it! ABT remains to be my favorite company simply because of the level of artistry and flawless technique. And all of these 2 qualities are displayed from the opening and definately into the white swan variation and black swan pas de deux.

Another Swan.......2007-02-25

I have many different versions of this ballet - each one has its own characteristics and charm. This one is not the best I have seen but it does has certain points that make it slightly different from others, and makes it interesting. It also is slightly American as it worries about rights of the individual and in ways being "politically correct". It is disappointing that a large chunk of act III is missing, but overall the dancing is good, costumes beautiful and presentation innovative and enthralling.

Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli

Average customer rating:

The Nutcracker fighting the mice is the best ballet scene ever.......
The Definitive Nutcracker
MY favorite!
Gelsey, Gelsey, Gelsey!
The Most Magical Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli
Starring: Mikhail Baryshnikov , Gelsey Kirkland , Alexander Minz , Nanette Glushak , and Gayle Young
Director: Tony Charmoli
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / American Ballet Theatre, Murphy, Corella
Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more
Baryshnikov - Live at Wolf Trap
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

ASIN: B0002S6428
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Amazon.com

The American Ballet Theater version of the Tchaikovsky classic, a 1977 studio rendition directed by Tony Charmoli, has become a holiday perennial on PBS stations and home video. It's a favorite of parents who want to give their kids the gift of culture--and with good reason. There's a loose fairy tale plot to keep dance neophytes interested, and Boris Aronson's eye-candy production design is a series of lavish dioramas. From an imperial-era Russian Christmas party out of Tolstoy, a young girl named Clara (Gelsey Kirkland) is whisked in dreams to an imaginary world populated by the animated creations of the wizard toy maker Drosselmeier (Alexander Minz), who prances on his stick-thin limbs like a Dickens illustration come to life. The main attraction is, of course, Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the greatest classical dancers of the century, at his absolute peak of athleticism and precision. An opening slow-motion montage diagrams his fabled smoothness of execution, elegant airborne trajectories that have a feather-light perfection. Music lovers who know only "The Nutcracker Suite" will relish the chance to hear this great score all the way through, conducted with lilt and vigor by Kenneth Schermerhorn. --David Chute

Description

The Nutcracker marked the initial choreographic effort of Baryshnikov, universally hailed as one of the world's greatest dancers. Under Baryshnikov's inventive direction, the traditionally lighthearted story of a small girl's dream on Christmas Eve is transformed into a more complex theatrical experience. Broadcast regularly on PBS, this American Ballet Theatre performance (directed in the studio by Tony Charmoli) stars Gelsey Kirkland as Clara and Mikhail Baryshnikov at the peak of his artistic ability as the Prince/Nutcracker.

Customer Reviews:

The Nutcracker fighting the mice is the best ballet scene ever..............2007-06-30

I have this and the Ballanchine version. The latter is pretty but the dancing not memorable. This one is a joy and wonder to watch. Not only is Baryshnikov superb, several other dancers are almost as good. To watch the Nutcracker (Baryshnikov) battle the mice is thrilling, awesome, and has to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Even my 3 year old granddaughter prefers this one to the more child oriented Ballanchine version.

The Definitive Nutcracker.......2007-04-08

ÿOf all the productions of the Nutcracker ballet that I've seen, this is the definitive one.

As someone who dabbles in cinema photography, I can appreciate the cross- fades between many of the sequences in this production for televiewing. This adds another dimension, that cannot be seen in a public performance. Also, there is a wider choice of good camera locations in the television production of any ballet.

The dancers were all great - in particular Baryshnikov, Kirkland and the court jesters. Although Kirkland was 24 years of age at the time of this production, she was very convincing in the role of the young teen-age Clara. Baryshnikov was equally convincing as the dashing young prince. And last, but not least, the musical score is magnificent. I was particularly amused by the way that Tchaikovsky worked the tune of a French children's song, Cadet Roussel, into the middle of the court jesters' dance.

John Betz, Meaford, Ontario, Canada.

MY favorite!.......2007-03-22

LOve this soo much! This is my favorite tape of my favorite ballet! Excellent condition and love to watch it over and over!

Gelsey, Gelsey, Gelsey!.......2007-01-21

There never was a ballerina like her. I was lucky enough to see her dance many times in NYC in the late 70s. Whether she was dancing with Baryshnikov or with somebody else, she was just so good.

I've seen a lot of Nutcrackers, but no one's Clara comes close to hers.

Oh, yeah, Mischa's pretty good in this video :)

The Most Magical Nutcracker.......2007-01-20

Even though this version deviates from the classic in set and choreography, it is, in my opinion, defintely one of the best. Many imaginative ideas, beautiful colors and excellent dancing make this version really seem magical. Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland are the best in these two roles that I have seen. The set is not as extravagent as the one used by the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, but the costumes, colors, dancing and great ideas make up for it. I absolutely love this version!

Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Aurelie Dupont, Manuel Legris, Vincent Cordier, Nathalie Quernet, Laurent Queval, Paris Opera Ballet

Average customer rating:

Struttin' Around
most beautiful ballet i've seen
A ballet to watch
Misdirected
Sleeping Beauty - "Ballet of Ballets"

Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Aurelie Dupont, Manuel Legris, Vincent Cordier, Nathalie Quernet, Laurent Queval, Paris Opera Ballet
Starring: Tchaikovsky , Opera Bastille , Rudolph Nureyev , and Petipa
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Balanchine - Jewels / Aurelie Dupont, Alessio Carbone, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Agnes Letestu, Jean-Guillaume Bart, Clairemarie Osta, Kader Belarbi, Paris Opera Ballet
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / American Ballet Theatre, Murphy, Corella
Minkus - La Bayadere / Guerin, Hilaire, Platel, Paris Ballet
Lacotte - La Sylphide / Aurelie Dupont, Mathieu Ganio, Melanie Hurel, Jean-Marie Didiere, Ermanna Floria, Paris Opera Ballet
Cesare Pugni - La Fille du Pharaon (The Pharoah's Daughter) / Zakharova, Filin, Alexandrova, Yanin, Lacotte, Bolshoi Ballet

ASIN: B000FII2B6
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Description

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Choreographed and staged by Rudolf Nureyev after Marius Petipa. Restaged by Patricia Ruanne

The Sleeping Beauty remains, as Rudolf Nureyev often called it, the `ballet of ballets'. It is the most accomplished and the most brilliant, as well as one of the most spectacular of the 19th century, and the most representative of the `noble' style of classical dancing. Rudolf Nureyev's version, which he created for the Opera Ballet in 1989, was recorded at the Opéra Bastille in 1999, in a new production (sets and costumes) created by his faithful collaborators, Ezio Frigerio and Franca Squarciapino, who had already produced Swan Lake, Romeo And Juliet And La Bayadère.

Princess Aurora: Aurélie Dupont
Prince Désiré: Manuel Legris
King Florestan: Vincent Cordier
The Queen: Nathalie Quernet
Catalabutte: Laurent Queval
The Lilac Fairy: Béatrice Martel
Carabosse: Nathalie Aubin
Princess Florina: Delphine Moussin
Bluebird: Benjamin Pech
Puss In Boots: Stéphane Elizabé
White Cat: Laetitia Pujol
Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Paris
Conductor: David Coleman. Sets: Ezio Frigerio. Costumes: Franca Squarciapino. Directed By Pierre Cavassilas.

Customer Reviews:

Struttin' Around.......2007-05-06

A lot of acting, posing and walking around the stage; very little dancing.

most beautiful ballet i've seen.......2007-05-03

incredible production done in high definition. absolutely gorgeous set, costumes, and superb performances.

A ballet to watch.......2007-03-25

A beautiful piece. Lighting (which often is so poor in this type of DVD),
customs, performance, are tops. I enjoyed this ballet, and will see it many more times.

Misdirected.......2007-03-08

The director is incredibly intrusive. The camera is never allowed to rest on corps or soloist. All stucture of the choreography is lost.

Sleeping Beauty - "Ballet of Ballets".......2007-02-08

There are many fine and thorough reviews on this performance by Paris Opera Ballet. I'll keep mine brief - this is a most excellent interpretation of the greatest of all ballets. The costumes and sets are visually lavish. The primary etoiles - Aurelie DuPont and Manuel Legris are very well paired and both outstanding dancers. I agree with the reviewer that said to "watch his pirouettes". DuPont is both beautiful, serene, and the most perfect "Aurora". Her sense of balance is amazing - no wobbling. One can sense her tremendous athleticism and agility. I highly recommend this performance to anyone regardless of their knowledge or interest in ballet. It's very satisfying.

Tchaikovsky, Petipa - Swan Lake / Kirov Ballet, Yulia Makhalina, Igor Zelensky

Average customer rating:

One of the best I've seen
The best version of Swan Lake
Great Swan Lake DVD

Tchaikovsky, Petipa - Swan Lake / Kirov Ballet, Yulia Makhalina, Igor Zelensky
Starring: Kirov Ballet , Yulia Makhalina , and Igor Zelensky
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Aurelie Dupont, Manuel Legris, Vincent Cordier, Nathalie Quernet, Laurent Queval, Paris Opera Ballet
Adam - Giselle / Kirov, Petipa, Mezentseva
Balanchine - Jewels / Aurelie Dupont, Alessio Carbone, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Agnes Letestu, Jean-Guillaume Bart, Clairemarie Osta, Kader Belarbi, Paris Opera Ballet
Adam - Giselle / Svetlana Zakharova, Roberto Bolle, Vittorio d'Amato, La Scala Ballet
Lacotte - La Sylphide / Aurelie Dupont, Mathieu Ganio, Melanie Hurel, Jean-Marie Didiere, Ermanna Floria, Paris Opera Ballet

ASIN: B000G1ALF2
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Description

This classic Kirov production of Swan Lake by Oleg Vinogradov includes the familiar happy ending in the final act, where Siegfried fights and ultimately defeats the evil magician, von Rothbart, and at dawn is reunited with Odette. Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Choreography by Marius Petipa And Lev Ivanov, in A Version By Konstantin Sergeyev.
Odette/Odile: Yulia Makhalina; Prince Siegfried: Igor Zelensky; Rothbart: Eldar Aliyev; Court Jester:: Yuri Fateyev; The Princess Regent: Angelina Kashirina. Kirov Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Viktor Fedotov.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best I've seen.......2007-06-18

This version of Swan Lake is definitely one of the best ones I've ever seen - and I've seen a lot! Yulia Makhalina is a fantastic technical dancer (if that's what you are looking for) and her extensions are unbelievable. The Corps de Ballet does what Kirov Corp de Ballet has always done best - dance in fantastic unison. The sets are beautiful as are the costumes. If you want to see a truly moving version of this ballet, this is the one to watch.

The best version of Swan Lake.......2007-03-27

I have many versions of Swan Lake on DVD and I must say, this is by far, hands down, the best version. The Kirov's (now Mariinsky)Corps de Ballet is flawless and the two leads; Yulia Makhalina and Igor Zelensky give gorgeous, virtuoso performances.

I can't say enough good things about this performance. I highly recommend this DVD!!!

Great Swan Lake DVD.......2007-01-31

I do not know much about ballet and started enjoying recently. I saw Swan Lake by ABT and NYBT live but this was the best. I enjoyed it so much and watched it over and over thanks to Yulia Makhalina's excellent performance.

Although I enjoyed ABT and NYBT's performance, it was the first time that I felt like watching a real Swan in this Kirov's Swan Lake and could feel sadness and beauty of Odette. Makhalina performs Odette so beautifully and sadly and performs Odile so sexy and confidently at the same time. For odile part, I liked how she expresses in her eye before doing spins. I loved how Odette appears and dances in the lake for the first time. I also liked the part where Siegfried looks for Odette to ask for forgiveness. I don't know why nobody mentioned about this Swan Lake DVD. Please try it!!! You will really enjoy it.

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Nureyev, Letestu, Martinez, Paris Opera Ballet [HD DVD]

Average customer rating:

a night in at the ballet

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Nureyev, Letestu, Martinez, Paris Opera Ballet [HD DVD]
Starring: Rudolf Nureyev , Agnes Letestu , Jose Martinez , and Karl Paquette
Manufacturer: BBC / Opus Arte
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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Monty Python's The Meaning of Life [HD DVD]

ASIN: B000OCZ80Q
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Customer Reviews:

a night in at the ballet.......2007-06-29

If your into your new hd dvd player and looking for new ways to expand your horizions!! This could be it..i'm not a huge fan of ballet myself, but with Tchaikovsky playing and a crystal clear picture hd dvd can even make ballet very enjoyable..so if your up for something new or already a big fan of ballet and Tchaikovsky. i say this is a must buy!! plus you don't have to get all dressed up and spend $200 to see

Gala Concert from St. Petersburg / Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Mischa Maisky, Victor Tretyakov, Elisso Virsaladze, Yuri Temirkanov, Nikolai Alekseev, St. Petersburg Philharmonic

Average customer rating:

Enough just to see Mischa Maisky
Varied concert
Cello virtuosity seldom seen and heard
Yeah...... you can have it......
A brief addendum to J Scott Morrison's review

Gala Concert from St. Petersburg / Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Mischa Maisky, Victor Tretyakov, Elisso Virsaladze, Yuri Temirkanov, Nikolai Alekseev, St. Petersburg Philharmonic
Starring: Anna Netrebko , Dmitri Hvorostovsky , Victor Tretyakov , Nikolai Alekseev , and Donizetti Verdi Tchaikovsky
Manufacturer: Euroarts
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Anna Netrebko - The Woman, The Voice
The Berlin Concert - Live from Waldbuhne
Donizetti - L'Elisir d'Amore / Eschwe, Netrebko, Villazon, Wiener Staatsoper
Russian Album
Vienna State Opera Gala Concert / Domingo, Terfel, Gruberova, Urmana, Hampson, Baltsa, Kirchschlager, Polaski, Struckmann, Schade, Furlanetto

ASIN: B000BK537Y
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Customer Reviews:

Enough just to see Mischa Maisky.......2007-06-04

There are tons of big names in this Gala Performance.
Of the star-studded performer cast, there is however one clear standout - Mischa Maisky.
I never fancied the cello as an instrument - it is big, clumsy, dark sounding, its music often bordering on boring. Mr. Maisky changed all my preconceptions of the instrument.
Maisky is clearly one of the greatest musicians/artists of this era - not just cellist, but musician/artist. First of all, I give my hearty appreciation for his appearance (yes, appearance counts very much these days). Very avante garde looking, truly artistic and never detracts from his artistry;wonderful balance being struck in his apparel. Secondly, his artistry - I have never seen him playing, but would only say that I am totally mesmerised. He virtually becomes one with his instrument - you would not even bother to differentiate whether it is a violin, viola, or cello. The sound emerging is simply one beautiful singing tone - rich, luscious, expressive and highly sensitive. I learned that this instrument is a gift to the artist by a anonymous admirer, and is a precious antique instrument. How well Maisky merges himself with the instrument! I agree that the donor just simply could not be more pleased.
Apart from this legendary cellist, the programme features some other brilliant artists. Of particular interest to me is the star soprano Anna Netrebko, fresh of tone and abounding in vocal (and visual) beauty.
Well, she is 'the' star soprano now, unsurprisingly. I like her final duet with Hvorostovsky.
Of the solo pieces sung by Mr Hvorostovsky, the excerpt from Pique Dame is the best.
Probably Hvorostovsky and Netrebko now heads the long line of Russian musicians internationally. Even so, I wish musical fans would not miss out the other wonderful artists in Russia.
I've definitely added Maisky to my own list of classical superstars.

Varied concert.......2007-04-11

The Russians have put together an excellent concert with a variety of superb artists. Both the singers and instrumentalists are excellent. There is something for everyone.

Cello virtuosity seldom seen and heard.......2007-02-02

Gala concert performances usually celebatate anniversaries, and the artistic value and merit of the event, in the spirit of a festive occasion, may be unitentionally overlooked. Not on this DVD. All the artists perform to the highiest standards for which they are known. However, cellist Misha Maisky steals the show. His dark-color-varnished cello sings, and the intesity, darkness, fullness amd emotion of the sound he pours out of this instrument it's breathtaking, and caresses your mind and heart to a dreaming abandon. The bond between this instrument and this artist is phenomenal and unique, and it deserves attention to quench one's curiosity.
Well, there is a Cinderella story behind the cello Maisky's playing. He made his U.S. debut at Carnegie Hall, in 1973, with the Pittsburg Orchestra under the baton of William Steinberg. After the concert, a unknown man from the audience was so moved by Maisky's prformance that he gave him as a gift the cello he's playing now: a priceless 1730s Domenico Montagnana cello! Montagnana's cellos are a little shorter and a little wider than the Stradivarius, and that may explain, according to the experts, the darker and fuller sound. If this gentle and sesitive soul could see this DVD, he would know one more time that his gift has matched Maisky's virtuosity to a heavenly perfection.

Constantine A. Papas

Yeah...... you can have it.............2006-12-27

You can have it. But you won't watch it more than three times. The best is Mischa Maisky. He's very good.
Netrebko is good.
Hvorostovsky is disappointing.
I was disappointed with the outcome. I was really expecting more.

A brief addendum to J Scott Morrison's review.......2005-12-02

I've been waiting for the US release of this DVD after seeing a clip from it on a cable arts channel many months ago, and it was worth waiting for. J Scott Morrison's review is right on target, and I'd just like to underline a few aspects. First, if you haven't seen Anna Netrebko before (or if you were put off by her MTV-like DVD, as I was), the Nedda/Silvio duet will astonish you. The passion is both vocal and visual, a real triumph of operatic art. Second, the assortment of pieces on the program is surprisingly interesting and diverse, one that I think will be pleasing to revisit often. Finally, a minor complaint: by the end of the DVD (in the duet), the picture and sound seemed slightly out-of-synch to me; I wonder if anyone else has noticed this? But the bottom line is: this is a wonderful disc, definitely five stars.

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery

Average customer rating:

5 stars : margot/rudolf 's swan lake !!!!
One of the Best Nureyev DVDs
A Lass Unparalleled!
One Of My Very Favorite Swan Lakes.
A mixed review

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Rudolf Nureyev , and Vienna State Opera Ballet
Director: John Lanchbery
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

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( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Aurelie Dupont, Manuel Legris, Vincent Cordier, Nathalie Quernet, Laurent Queval, Paris Opera Ballet

ASIN: B0007P0LPC
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Customer Reviews:

5 stars : margot/rudolf 's swan lake !!!!.......2007-07-04

i hv own this swan lake dvd for three yrs, but never thought about writing a review until now, why?
after i bought the dvd ( margot/rudof ), and watching it almost a dozen times either by myself or introduce it to a female friend, it ALWAYS made me cry at the end of act IV, never fail.
so,last week, i spent 40,000 of my precious united award miles, flew almost 12 hrs ( two stops, delayed 2 and 3 hrs here and there,etc)from california to new york to see ABT's ( american ballet theatre ) swan lake procuction at lincoln center.
boy, I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!
why? as usual:
act I's folk dance, i can tolerate it like everyone else,
act II ,III i wasn't very happy with it already,but, i still have hope for the final act,but then when it comes to
act IV, the production has cut it almost into half !
what a shame.
hence, i recommand margot/rudof 's "swan lake" to anyone who is interested in purchasing a good dvd,never an " ABT " swan lake :)

One of the Best Nureyev DVDs.......2007-06-01

This Swan Lake is one of the best I have ever seen. Though the Nureyev staging is very different from the "typical" staging, his performance is unrivaled. He carries the Pas de Cinq in Act I and does an amazing job in the Black Swan Pas de Deux of Act III. Fonteyn is also very good, though she is admittedly past the peak of her career. For all Nureyev fans, this is his best commercially available performance.

A Lass Unparalleled!.......2007-01-21

I first saw Fonteyn in a live performance in 1968. Of course I had seen her on television but was not prepared for the impact of a theatre experience.I was stunned. She was dancing in Giselle with Nureyev. Their performance was sublime.

Nureyev had transformed the role of the male dancer, but it was Fonteyn in my opinion who held the essence of ballet. So of course I bought this video as a record of her art.

At first viewing I found the close up Nureyev a little narcisstic but this did not detract from the quality of the first act.

I was overwhelemed with the dancing in act two and the rapport between Odette and Siegfried has never been matched. Fonteyn's dancing is simple, precise, and without affectation. There is no over extension which one sees today and which I find rather more suitable to the gymnasium then the stage. Her placement is extraordinary, the poise of her head and lovely port de bras that has even tho this day no equal. As an example see her in Les Sylphides in the Prelude solo (An Evening with the Royal Ballet) when just running her arms move as though there are no bones!

Her first entrance captures the whole essence of the ballet. A swan queen who has been tranformed into a graceful young maiden. One is not aware of technique so wll absorbed is it into the whole performance; wonderful arabesques and balances culminating in the great pas de deux which should be mandatory viewing for any aspiring Odette. Not to be copied but as an inspiration for elegiac dancing.

In the third act Fonteyn subtley portrays the role of Odile-with flashing eyes and and a different poise of her head. After all Siegfried has to be able to recognise that this must be Odette, the woman to whom he has sworn undying love in act two. So Odile cannot be the complete opposite in character. This Fontyen shows as no other. Her solo dancing has just the right amount of speed and attack coupled with wonderful turns and balances.

In the final act we see the renunion of Odette and Siegfried and the glorious dancing and emotion builds to the tragic ending of Siegfired drowning in the lake and the hopelessness of Odette as she realises that all is lost.

This version of the ballet is a complete blending of dance and dramatic interpretation of a timeless story and not to be missed by anyone who loves the magic of dance.

Francis J. Farrar

One Of My Very Favorite Swan Lakes........2006-06-15

Nureyev had a wonderfully keen practical and artistic sense of how to produce the classical ballets. Among other things, he realized the merits of enlarging the role of the male dancer, as did Balanchine, his quote to the contrary notwithstanding!(Male dancers who danced for him that I have trained with, tell me that when he said ballet is all about women, he was mostly referring to the concept of partnering, where the woman is prominently displayed; he enjoyed working with male dancers very much, as we can see in his choreography.) In this version, both principal dancers are given a great deal of choreography and, as one would expect from one of the world's most famous ballet duos, they dance magnificently! Margot Fonteyn was always the quintessential ballerina, both on stage and off. She was also a great balletic actress and did not like to be disturbed backstage during a ballet because she would stay in character. She always peformed at her best, right up to the end of her very long career.
Some people have been surprised at the closeup of Nureyev in this at the begining of the first act; it shows the starkness of his makeup. Actually, this type of makeup is often used for this role, but we usually don't see it in closeup! It looks good at a distance. It is all part of the fantasy aspect of Swan Lake.
Especially noteworthy is the adagio Nureyev dances at the end of act one. Many dancers have bought this version just to see and study this! It is one of the greatest moments in classical ballet!
Nureyev's handling of the corps de ballet is also fantastic. I loved the geometric patterns he sets for them. The corps also dances with great precision and passion.
The only subdued aspect of this version is that of the Rothbart character. He is reduced to just a character role here