The Nutcracker

Universally acknowledged as the greatest of all Russian operas, this is a faithful and often dazzling production of the standard Rimsky-Korsakov version taped live at the Bolshoi in 1978. As Boris, the renowned Yevgeni Neterenko is as justifiably identified with the role in his generation as Chaliapin, London and Kipness were in theirs. Nesterenko gives a remarkably vivid, human portrait of the tormented half-crazed Tsar, and is supported by a first rate ensemble in a richly designed and costumed production that represents opera at its grandest. Particularly outstanding are Vladislav Piavko as the Pretender, Valery Yaroslavtsev as Pimen, Irina Arkhipova as Marina (a role generally associated with Vishnevskaya), Galina Kalinina as Xenia, and Alexsei Maslennikov as the Simpleton.

This performance, recorded live at the Bolshoi Opera in 1979, stars the great Russian bass Evgeny Nesterenko as Dosifei, the Old Believer at religious and psychological war with the new order, led by Prince Ivan Khovansky. The manipulative Khovansky is powerfully portrayed here by Alexander Vedernikov, another of the world’s greatest basses, little known outside of the Soviet Union. Marfa, one of Dosifei’s followers and a fortune teller, is sung by the legendary mezzo-soprano Irina Arkhipova in a performance of great authority and dignity. Russian opera at the Bolshoi is the genuine article and the remainder of the cast is equally impressive, from the mistrusting Prince Galitsyn of Evgeny Raikov to the clever, informing Shaklovity of Vladislav Romanovsky. The Bolshoi chorus and orchestra is conducted by Yuri Simonov.

The Eastern Kingdom. Princess Shirin is ill with a fatal disease. A mysterious stranger appears in the palace and offers to heal the princess, but in return, her sister, Queen Mehmené-Banu, must sacrifice her beauty and become ugly... The queen agrees, and Shirin recovers. As time passes, the sisters meet the handsome artist Ferhad...

One day, returning from hunting to the palace, King Shakhriyar witnessed an unbridled orgy of courtiers, in the center of which was his beloved wife Nurida, who accepted the caresses of an insignificant slave. The deceived husband, the humiliated ruler, in front of the court, numb with horror, deals with his wife and comes to a terrible decision – to execute one young woman in the country every morning. Soon it is the turn of the vizier's daughter, the wise Scheherazade... Staged by the Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Azerbaijan in 1981.

Romance and fairy tale come alive in this astounding interpretation of a childhood classic, Sleeping Beauty. In the hands of the celebrated Kirov Ballet, featuring choreography by Marius Petipa, Sleeping Beauty is no less than magical, recounting the story of a scorned witch who, upon being snubbed by the king and queen when they don't invite her to their baby's christening, casts an evil spell. Featured dancers include Irina Kolpakova.

On Christmas Eve, Marie receives an enchanted toy as a gift from her uncle Albert. At night, it comes to life and engages in an unequal battle with the mouse army and their formidable king. Staged by Yuri Grigorovich for the Bolshoi Theatre in 1977.

S.Prokofiev's ballet based on the tragedy of the same name by W. Shakespeare, staged by the Moscow Academic Musical Theater named after K.Stanislavsky and V.Nemirovich-Danchenko in 1990.

Anniversary evening of the legend of the Soviet ballet, People's Artist of the USSR Galina Ulanova. It is dedicated to the actress' 70th anniversary and was held at the State Academic Bolshoi Theater of the USSR, in 1980.

The light, airy image of the fairy-tale Sylph captured James' heart. And the witch's gloomy predictions that James and Effie's wedding will be upset are coming true. The hero leaves home with only one desire - to catch up with his dream. James finds himself in a magical forest. The witch and her assistants are cooking a sinister potion in a cauldron. She takes out a light scarf from the infernal boiling mixture. But in its changeable lightness, it conceals doom... Staged by the Leningrad State Academic Maly Opera and Ballet Theater.

A ball is being held in the royal palace in honor of the birth of a beautiful and charming princess. The fairies present gifts to Princess Aurora, and the seventh fairy, old Carabosse, arrives uninvited at the christening and presents a terrible gift... And so, a hundred years later, the handsome prince, while hunting, finds himself in a sleeping forest, where he awakens the sleeping beauty with a gentle kiss. Choreographic editing by Konstantin Sergeev, staged by the Mariinsky Theatre.