The Boshoi Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

THE BOSHOI BALLET: SLEEPING BEAUTY

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Ballet in Three Acts and a Prologue

Libretto by Ivan Vsevolozhsky and Marius Petipa

Based on the Tales of Charles Perrault

Choreography by Marius Petipa

Staged by Yuri Grigorovich

Overview:

Sleeping Beauty is one of the most celebrated classical ballets in the history of dance. Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, it premiered in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This ballet represents the pinnacle of the romantic ballet tradition, blending exquisite music, intricate choreography, and a timeless fairy tale narrative.

Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a renowned Russian composer, is best known for his ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. His works are characterized by rich orchestration, memorable melodies, and an ability to capture emotional depth through music.

Libretto and Source: The libretto was crafted by Ivan Vsevolozhsky, the director of the Imperial Theatres, in collaboration with Marius Petipa, the chief ballet master. They adapted the story from the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault, a French author known for popularizing fairy tales including Cinderella, Bluebeard, and Sleeping Beauty. The narrative focuses on Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by a prince’s kiss.

Choreography: Marius Petipa, considered the father of classical ballet, crafted the original choreography for Sleeping Beauty. His style emphasized clean lines, elaborate group patterns, and the virtuosic display of technique, which set a high standard for classical ballet productions worldwide. Petipa’s choreography combines dramatic storytelling with spectacular dance sequences, including the famous “Rose Adagio” where the princess balances en pointe while accepting the dance offerings of her suitors.

Staging and Direction: Yuri Grigorovich, a celebrated Soviet ballet dancer and choreographer, contributed to various stagings of Sleeping Beauty bringing his own interpretations while respecting Petipa’s original vision. Grigorovich is known for his dynamic and expressive style, which has revitalized numerous classical ballets for contemporary audiences.

Musical Highlights:

Introduction: Sets an enchanting and mystical tone for the ballet’s fairy tale setting.

Rose Adagio: A technically demanding and iconic piece where Princess Aurora performs delicate balances and poses, symbolizing maturity and grace.

Carabosse’s Curse: A dramatic musical passage that vividly portrays the malevolent fairy’s dark magic.

Wedding Pas de Deux: The celebratory finale brimming with joyful themes and virtuosic dancing, symbolizing the union of Aurora and the Prince.

Significance in Ballet History:

Sleeping Beauty is often regarded as the quintessential example of classical ballet, showcasing the perfect synthesis of music, choreography, and theatrical spectacle. It established many choreographic and musical conventions that influenced later works and remains a benchmark for ballet companies worldwide. The ballet’s lavish costumes, elaborate sets, and the dramatic storyline make it an enduring favorite, not only for its artistic brilliance but also for its ability to transport audiences into a magical fairy tale world.

Legacy:

This ballet has continued to captivate audiences for over a century, inspiring countless revivals and adaptations. It is frequently performed by leading ballet companies globally and remains a testament to Tchaikovsky’s genius and Petipa’s choreographic mastery. Beyond its artistic value, Sleeping Beauty serves as a cultural symbol of the golden age of Russian ballet and the timeless charm of fairy tales.

Cast:
Princess Aurora - Nina Semizorova
Prince Désiré - Aleksei Tadeychev
Lilac Fairy - Nina Speranskaya
Carabosse - Yuri Vetrov
Bluebird - Aleksandr Veztov
Princess Florine - Maria Bilova
King Florestin - Andre Sitnikov
Queen - Irina Nesterova

The Bolshoi Ballet
The Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra
Aleksandr Kopilov

Design by Simon Virsaladze
Directed for Video by Shuji Fujii

Recorded at the Bolshoi Theatre 1989
A Southern Television Production
Licensed worldwide by Euroarts Music International GmbH

Sound Format: PCM Stereo
Menu Languages: D, F, GB, SP
Running Time: 145 min
Picture Format: 4:3
Region Code: 0 Worldwide
DVD 9: NTSC

For DVD Player (North American NTSC)

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