Adolphe Adam's 1841 “fantastic ballet,” one of the Romantic masterpieces of the repertory, receives a lovely performance in this 2006 Peter Wright production from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The music is unfailingly charming, while the orchestral work, under the baton of Boris Gruzin, is energetic and precise, and the sets and costumes are both attractive and well-calibrated to the rather small stage. But the dancing is what makes this version truly special, particularly the virtuosity of Alina Cojocaru as the titular young peasant girl, who dies of heartbreak after discovering that the man she loves is a noble betrothed to another. Giselle is transformed into a spirit expected to take vengeance on mortals, but ends up saving the count who deceived her. As the duplicitous Albrecht, Johan Kobborg isn't quite Cojocaru's equal, but he certainly holds his own in their numbers together, while the remaining soloists are uniformly excellent. Only the corps de ballet fails to maintain the highest standard, occasionally seeming not entirely in unison, although this is a minor quibble. Like the Paris Opera production of La Sylphide (see VL-9/05), the other great 19th-century ballet about the love between a mortal man and supernatural being, this Giselle is among the most delectable ballet DVDs available, featuring exceptional camerawork and audio quality (with DTS and LPCM stereo options). DVD extras include a cast gallery and illustrated synopsis. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Giselle
(2006) 112 min. DVD: $32.98. Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 24, Issue 2
Giselle
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