La Fille Mal Gardée

Musically, the ballet La Fille Mal Gardée (which roughly translates as “The Badly Guarded Daughter”) is no masterpiece. The score by short-lived 19th-century opera composer Ferdinand Hérold (heard here in John Lanchbery's revision made for Frederick Ashton's celebrated 1960 Covent Garden revival) is essentially a pastiche of tunes drawn from composers such as Haydn, Rossini, and Donizetti, coupled with popular melodies. And the plot—charting the romance between a simple farm boy and a village girl whose mother wants her to marry the klutzy son of a local bigwig—isn't of much consequence either. But when well performed, La Fille Mal Gardée is irresistibly charming: the piece begins with barnyard chickens doing a Rockettes routine and features a slapstick number with wooden clogs! In this superb 2005 Covent Garden remounting (with Ashton's original choreography), the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House's playing is bright and energetic under the baton of Anthony Twiner, the sets and costumes are colorful, and the dancing is simply wonderful. Marianela Nuñez and Carlos Acosta make an unbeatable pair of lovers, bringing youthful exuberance and grace to the roles. The comic support is first-rate as well: William Tuckett is hilarious in the drag role of the mother, while Jonathan Howells gives the hapless suitor a touch of pathos along with his absurdity. Boasting excellent visual and sound production values (the latter in DTS surround or LCPM stereo), DVD extras include an illustrated synopsis and cast gallery. A hugely entertaining presentation, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)