Those seeking a reasonably traditional version of Tchaikovsky's popular ballet will enjoy this 2014 production from the Vienna Staatsballett celebrating the silver anniversary of Rudolf Nureyev's reworking of the Petipa-Ivanov choreography. Nureyev's version makes some adjustments to the score and even more to the story, casting a tragic light on the tale of the nobleman enchanted by the swan queen Odette, and—thanks to the machinations of the evil sorcerer Rothbart—torn between her and her dark counterpart, Odile. Many productions will opt for a happy or equivocal ending, but here Rothbart triumphs, Odette remains in his power, and the prince perishes. Regardless, this is an effective denouement both musically and dramatically, with Olga Esina radiant in the dual role of Odette and Odile. Vladimir Shishov makes a solid partner for her as Prince Siegfried, while Eno Peci cuts a magisterial figure as his rival, Rothbart. The work of the student corps isn't always ideally synchronized, and a few of Alexander Ingram's tempos initially lag a bit, but the performance quickly improves, and the opulent sets and costumes are visually attractive. While the Nureyev Swan Lake is already available in a fine 2006 Paris Opera production (VL-9/07), this mounting is just as good. Presented in DTS 5.0 (DTS-HD 5.0 on the Blu-ray release) and PCM stereo, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
Swan Lake
(2014) 132 min. DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $39.99. C Major (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 30, Issue 2
Swan Lake
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