GLAZUNOV: Raymonda

From the Bolshoi Theatre 1989. Written in 1898, Raymonda is deemed to be Glazunov's finest ballet, stately and melodious. It here receives an illustrious treatment from the Bolshoi and one of its most celebrated stars, Natalya Bessmertnova. The Bolshoi adaptation of this piece, choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich based on the original choreography of Marius Petipa and Alexander Grosky, is notable for its fantastic set and costume design, with both the hero and heroine dressed in pure white. Natalya Bessmertnova's portrayal of the title role is wonderfully delicate, and she has a devoted and equal partner in Yuri Vasyuchenko. Raymonda bids farewell to her betrothed Jean de Brienne, who presents her with a silk shawl as a farewell gift and goes to fight in the Crusades. She dreams of him, but her dreams are frequently interrupted by the appearance of a Saracen warrior, Abderakhman, who is fascinated by the beautiful noblewoman and ultimately attempts to abduct her. Jean, by this time, has now returned home and the two finally - and fatally - duel. (Arthaus 100719) More Info.: http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=100719