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Manon
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Jose Brito
Format:DVD
Abbé Prévost, the 18th century author of Manon (Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut, published in 1731) probably never thought his heroine would be so celebrated - two ballets and four operas - and reach the 21st century. MacMillan choreographed the story aided by L.Lucas and Hilda Gaunt who assembled various pieces from Massenet music but curiously not from his opera Manon and the ballet came to light im 1974, danced by legends Anthony Dowell and Antoinette Sibley.
This DVD filmed in 2008 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, is a thrilling experience at all levels. Tamara Rojo/Manon and Carlos Acosta/Des Grieux give us a most poignant interpretation. T.Rojo contrives to portray the heroine's complex character throughout the ballet and C.Acosta is like a most gifted painter giving true life to a portrait, both dancing MacMillan's difficult steps with fabulous technique and intelligence.MacMillan is a genius exploring human nature, showing characters through his choreographies and in this case Rojo and Acosta respond in a state of absolute cumplicity.Seldom can one actually feel Manon's misery and Des Grieux's extreme pain as in the miraculously danced and interpreted Act 3, scene 3.
The other dancers, José Martín (Lescault),Laura Morera (Lescault's mistress),young and virtuoso Paul Kay(the beggar chief) dance flawlessly and with "brio", underlining brilliantly the characters of their personae.This is certainly a masterpiece and a credit for the entire company such is the level of this production, from the design to the staging. Last but not the least, Massenet's music is superiorly conducted by Martin Yates.Magnificently filmed this is a Manon not only to remember but also to watch endlessly.... Read more ›
This DVD filmed in 2008 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, is a thrilling experience at all levels. Tamara Rojo/Manon and Carlos Acosta/Des Grieux give us a most poignant interpretation. T.Rojo contrives to portray the heroine's complex character throughout the ballet and C.Acosta is like a most gifted painter giving true life to a portrait, both dancing MacMillan's difficult steps with fabulous technique and intelligence.MacMillan is a genius exploring human nature, showing characters through his choreographies and in this case Rojo and Acosta respond in a state of absolute cumplicity.Seldom can one actually feel Manon's misery and Des Grieux's extreme pain as in the miraculously danced and interpreted Act 3, scene 3.
The other dancers, José Martín (Lescault),Laura Morera (Lescault's mistress),young and virtuoso Paul Kay(the beggar chief) dance flawlessly and with "brio", underlining brilliantly the characters of their personae.This is certainly a masterpiece and a credit for the entire company such is the level of this production, from the design to the staging. Last but not the least, Massenet's music is superiorly conducted by Martin Yates.Magnificently filmed this is a Manon not only to remember but also to watch endlessly.... Read more ›
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Jenny
Format:DVD
Surely the definitive version, at least unless the original cast (for whom the piece was created) are available! In my view, this is MacMillan's masterpiece, the choreography moving the story along, revealing character and mood like a novel.
Rojo and Acosta take us convincingly and memorably through the changes that their characters experience, as the two young lovers use and corupt each other, pushed along by Manon's horrible brother, danced with great verve by Jose Martin. As always with the Royal Ballet, a team of experienced performers make the supporting roles come to life: I found Christopher Saunders as the lustful and then vengeful sugar daddy, Monsieur G. M., particularly convincing. And Thomas Whitehead as the corrupt and brutal goaler,and the comically drunken de deux danced by Martin and Morera: the list goes on and on. All this action builds slowly and inexorably to the stunningly emotional finale, the death of Manon, when Acosta and Rojo demonstrate just why they are so highly regarded, both technically and dramatically.
There is also a documentary about dancing Manon, with rehearsal footage and interviews with the two principles and Monica Mason, who was in the original production.
I recommend this to anyone who likes ballet: my only proviso would be that the material is not suitable for children
Rojo and Acosta take us convincingly and memorably through the changes that their characters experience, as the two young lovers use and corupt each other, pushed along by Manon's horrible brother, danced with great verve by Jose Martin. As always with the Royal Ballet, a team of experienced performers make the supporting roles come to life: I found Christopher Saunders as the lustful and then vengeful sugar daddy, Monsieur G. M., particularly convincing. And Thomas Whitehead as the corrupt and brutal goaler,and the comically drunken de deux danced by Martin and Morera: the list goes on and on. All this action builds slowly and inexorably to the stunningly emotional finale, the death of Manon, when Acosta and Rojo demonstrate just why they are so highly regarded, both technically and dramatically.
There is also a documentary about dancing Manon, with rehearsal footage and interviews with the two principles and Monica Mason, who was in the original production.
I recommend this to anyone who likes ballet: my only proviso would be that the material is not suitable for children
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Arthur Wyatt
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Could not wait for the bluray. I just break out in floods of tears when I watch this so words such as fantastic do not do this proper justice! NO PROBLEM Amazon sent me region 0
The discussion with Monica Tamara and Carlos was very moving particularly when Tamara said she used to rush to see her favourite dancer from Cuba perform when she was a young girl! Tamara and Carlos wished they could have met Kenneth MacMillian but had this occurred Kenneth would have asked for Jules Massenet to be present for nobody else could have tinkered with his scores so effectively without being totally besotted by this somewhat underrated composer. Furthermore the roots go deeper as the first few bars are from La Verge first performed at the Palais Garnier home of the Paris ballet and a wonderful ballet from Le Roi De Lahore. Where the loveliest theme from the bedroom scene comes from I have yet to identify but it is of pure sunshine. What they said about the darker side of MacMillians ballets make Massenet and MacMillian kindred spirits.- Mayerling's choreography and Massenet's extreme passionate and lyrical expression in Werther make Mayerling and Werther as close as Manon the opera and Manon the ballet.
When you go to Paris take the Metro to Jardin du Luxembourg. Pay homage at the Massenet Memorial. A truly emotive experience as one metre in front stands a lonely figure of Manon . You may cast a tear or drop flowers but think of the lovely dancers and singers that are our most precious Manons. Tamara you are one of these!
The discussion with Monica Tamara and Carlos was very moving particularly when Tamara said she used to rush to see her favourite dancer from Cuba perform when she was a young girl! Tamara and Carlos wished they could have met Kenneth MacMillian but had this occurred Kenneth would have asked for Jules Massenet to be present for nobody else could have tinkered with his scores so effectively without being totally besotted by this somewhat underrated composer. Furthermore the roots go deeper as the first few bars are from La Verge first performed at the Palais Garnier home of the Paris ballet and a wonderful ballet from Le Roi De Lahore. Where the loveliest theme from the bedroom scene comes from I have yet to identify but it is of pure sunshine. What they said about the darker side of MacMillians ballets make Massenet and MacMillian kindred spirits.- Mayerling's choreography and Massenet's extreme passionate and lyrical expression in Werther make Mayerling and Werther as close as Manon the opera and Manon the ballet.
When you go to Paris take the Metro to Jardin du Luxembourg. Pay homage at the Massenet Memorial. A truly emotive experience as one metre in front stands a lonely figure of Manon . You may cast a tear or drop flowers but think of the lovely dancers and singers that are our most precious Manons. Tamara you are one of these!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By J. Sheer
Format:DVD
Long awaited release in the UK - wonderful production, look out for Tamara and Carlos but also a wonderful performance by Tom Whitehead as the Gaoler. A must have if you're a ballet fan.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
If you are waiting for a blu ray release of this ballet, I would advise that this is unlikely to happen. According to a well-placed contact, Decca's blu-ray version of Romeo and Juliet did not sell well enough to justify releasing Manon on high def. This seems surprising as Opus Arte are consistently releasing on blu-ray. So go figure!
If you want this wonderful performance, buy it now. This is the best version available and a must for any serious ballet fan. Its worth noting that this release includes a lengthy behind the scenes piece with interviews and rehearsal footage. I have deducted one star from the overall release due to it only being on DVD. The Ballet itself is also split over 2 discs . This disc is Region 0 and in NTSC format.
If you want this wonderful performance, buy it now. This is the best version available and a must for any serious ballet fan. Its worth noting that this release includes a lengthy behind the scenes piece with interviews and rehearsal footage. I have deducted one star from the overall release due to it only being on DVD. The Ballet itself is also split over 2 discs . This disc is Region 0 and in NTSC format.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't miss It.All concerned were at their best
Both dancing and characterisation were of the highest quality It was outstanding All concerned were at their best.See it again.
Published 14 days ago by Granny Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly sensitive interpretation
The Pas de Deux were beautifully executed and no wonder when you have two such brilliant dancers, plus the acting ability and musicality. Read more
Published 3 months ago by B. Van der Walt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love at first sight
I fell in love with Manon and can't stop watching it. The matching of Massenet's music to the choreography is brilliant. And of course the dancing is superb. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Francis
5.0 out of 5 stars
An outstanding achievement at all levels
The story of Manon will be known to many through the operas of both Massenet and Puccini. At first glance this would seem to be a danced version of the Massenet opera as the music... Read more
Published 11 months ago by I. Giles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sad story but beautifully told...
I wholeheartedly agree with the other reviews. This is a ballet to treasure.
If you don't like the bad endings this is not for you for obvious reasons. Read more
If you don't like the bad endings this is not for you for obvious reasons. Read more
Published on 14 Feb 2011 by Oyarsa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, but WARNING don't buy off Amazon as it only sells Region 2...
A wonderful production with Rojo and Acosta at their best. Beautiful choreography, music, costumes etc. The Royal Ballet at it's wonderful best. Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2010 by E. Stewart
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