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Before emigrating to the West, George Balanchine studied in St Petersburg and was a member of The State Academic Theatre, now known as the Mariinsky. Jewels dates from late in his career as a choreographer, and was premiered at the New York City Ballet in 1967. Although it did not receive its first performance at the Mariinsky until 1999, it has since become a core part of the company´s repertoire. This performance was filmed by Brian Large at the Mariinsky Theatre and features many of the Mariinsky´s most well-known dancers alongside conductor Tugan Sokhiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra. Also included is an interview with the Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, Valery Gergiev. Jewels consists of three acts: Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds, featuring music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky respectively. There is a stark contrast in composition and style for each of the three acts, linked only by the dancers´ dazzling costumes encrusted with coloured gems corresponding to the title act. For the opening act Emeralds, the dancers appear in long green tulle skirts. The demure choreography is reminiscent of the 19th -century French school in its languid and flowing appearance and is set to the music of Gabriel Fauré. The playful second act Rubies is accompanied by Stravinsky´s Capriccio for piano and orchestra. Full of character and wit, its striking angular poses bring to mind the modern New York scene. Diamonds evokes the classical era of Imperial Russia and the dancers, dressed in flat white tutus, sparkle along to the last three movements of Tchaikovsky´s Third Symphony. The Mariinsky Ballet (formerly known as the Kirov) is probably the world´s greatest ballet company with an astonishing heritage and home to many of the most celebrated dancers. The ballet tours regularly, as well as performing throughout the year in St Petersburg. During 2011 it visits the USA, UK, Spain, South America, Japan and South East Asia.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
There are now two versions of this ballet to choose from on Blu-ray. This one recorded in 2006 although not released until 2011 and the one by the Paris Opera ballet and recorded one year earlier in 2005.
The ballet is a totally abstract creation by George Balanchine based on music by Faure, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. The steps danced in both versions are identical of course and are equally well performed. Both stage settings focus on the colour of the three featured jewels, my preference being for the slightly more sumptuous sets at the Mariinsky theatre. The music is equally well performed and recorded by both teams and both offer finely detailed camera work giving a nice combination of close and panoramic views. The sound in both cases offers good quality surround sound or stereo.
Although this is an abstract creation as mentioned above, it is nevertheless very traditional as regards movements and dress. It best rewards repeat viewing as some people might find the lack of narrative and drama a little dull at first. The target is actually to illustrate grace and abstract beauty as appropriate to the perceived characteristics of emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The music moves from gentle Faure to spikier but accessible Stravinsky and concluding with typical Tchaikovsky but un-typically using the conclusion of his less well-known 3rd symphony.
So which to buy? In this case there is no clear winner in my view and choice could well be based simply on price. I personally would wish to own both as the choices of camera angles and use of close-up and panoramic views vary throughout, sometimes favouring the Paris production and sometimes the Russians. I have not been able to pick up on the blurred faster movements of the Russians commented on by one reviewer, even checking carefully.
Prospective purchasers would be safe with either version but my slight preference would be for this one. In my opinion both are worth the full 5 stars.
The ballet is a totally abstract creation by George Balanchine based on music by Faure, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. The steps danced in both versions are identical of course and are equally well performed. Both stage settings focus on the colour of the three featured jewels, my preference being for the slightly more sumptuous sets at the Mariinsky theatre. The music is equally well performed and recorded by both teams and both offer finely detailed camera work giving a nice combination of close and panoramic views. The sound in both cases offers good quality surround sound or stereo.
Although this is an abstract creation as mentioned above, it is nevertheless very traditional as regards movements and dress. It best rewards repeat viewing as some people might find the lack of narrative and drama a little dull at first. The target is actually to illustrate grace and abstract beauty as appropriate to the perceived characteristics of emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The music moves from gentle Faure to spikier but accessible Stravinsky and concluding with typical Tchaikovsky but un-typically using the conclusion of his less well-known 3rd symphony.
So which to buy? In this case there is no clear winner in my view and choice could well be based simply on price. I personally would wish to own both as the choices of camera angles and use of close-up and panoramic views vary throughout, sometimes favouring the Paris production and sometimes the Russians. I have not been able to pick up on the blurred faster movements of the Russians commented on by one reviewer, even checking carefully.
Prospective purchasers would be safe with either version but my slight preference would be for this one. In my opinion both are worth the full 5 stars.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
What an absolute joy! The dancers' beautiful glittering costumes fill the screen with red, green and white sparkling jewels. The first act `Emeralds' is soft and flowing, while the second act `Rubies' is all fun and frolics. The ballet ends in style with `Diamonds' featuring the world-wide star Lopatkina. There is something about her almost ethereal presence on stage that is truly breath-taking. This DVD is really something special indeed - the Mariinsky Ballet's unmatched technique is evident throughout without a moment of hesitation.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is quite beautiful. From the cover to the dancing, to the stunning playing by the Mariinsky. For me this is the whole package. The picture quality is superb, this is a joy to watch.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
delightful event
Without any doubt-this evening is indeed very good !The Mariinsky`s ballet was, and always will be extraordinary !
(I was`nt able to explain for myself only one fact... Read more
(I was`nt able to explain for myself only one fact... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Rufina Noor
THE DIVINE LOPATKINA
I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO SEE THE MARYINSKY AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ON THE FIRST NIGHT THEY BOUGHT JEWELS TO LONDON WITH AYUPOVA VISHNEVA AND THE DIVINE LOPATKINA WITH ZELENSKY... Read more
Published 7 months ago by GOSFORTH
bad image
This is indeed a beautiful ballet. However the quality of the dvd is very poor. When the movements are slow, there is no problem, but of course there are fast movements as well and... Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Andrea
Beautifully shot and exquisite playing by the Mariinsky
I initially bought this because i'm a huge fan of the Mariinsky Orchestra (they are the best in my opinion) but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the ballet itself. Read more
Published 7 months ago by musiclover
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