For 20 years from 1909 to 1929, the Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev and his Russian ballet staged one of the 20th century’s most incredible artistic adventures, redefining theatre, music and dance in every performance.
This CD contains excerpts of Swan Lake, presented in a 2-act version by the Ballets Russes in 1911 and featuring star performances by Mathilde Kchessinska and Vaslav Nijinsky. In addition, the CD offers excerpts from The Sleeping Princess, which the company presented in London in 1921, with scenes and costumes by Leon Bakst and a score partly re-orchestrated by Stravinsky.
Also included on the program is Igor Stravinsky’s Chant du rossignol – an excerpt from his opera The Nightingale, which he arranged for Diaghilev in 1920 with scenery by Matisse and the choreography of Massine at its premiere.
Haenssler CLASSIC’s Ballets Russes series is unrivaled for completeness and includes many works never before recorded. Each booklet includes historic details of the works performance and artwork from the original productions. World-renowned choreographer John Neumeier has overseen the production of the entire series.
Available on CD and MP3 download, 1.17 hrs, 2009.
