The Flames of Paris

One of Joseph Stalin's favorite ballets was this 1932 work, which conforms with the Soviet regime's mandated standards (leading to what became known as socialist realism) in its depiction of the triumph of the common people over the corrupt monarchy during the French Revolution. One can easily understand the attraction: not only did the glorification of the victory of the proletariat have obvious ideological appeal to the Bolshevik leader, but also the score by Boris Asafiev (who incorporated snippets of French music from Lully to Offenbach) features none of the modernist touches opposed by the totalitarian government. The historical value of this 2010 Bolshoi Theatre revival is lessened by revisions made by Alexei Ratmansky, who transformed the portrait of class warfare into a love story centering on four individuals, one of whom is an aristocrat guillotined at the close. But using a good deal of Vasily Vainonen's original choreography, Ratmansky devised impressive movements for not only the corps de ballet but a remarkable slate of soloists—most notably Ivan Vasiliev, whose leaps as the revolutionary Philippe are breathtaking, and Natalia Osipova as Jeanne, the peasant girl he romances (the other principals are Denis Savin as Jerome and Nina Kaptsova as the doomed Adeline). The result reaffirms the Bolshoi's stellar reputation, while the solid orchestral work under Pavel Sorokin, colorful sets and costumes, and excellent camerawork are additional strengths. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray version) and PCM stereo, extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Recommended. (F. Swietek)