Alexandra Glazunov Excerpts from the ballet "Raymonda"

#Glazunov #Raymonda #ClassicalBallet #RussianMusic #GrandPas
Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra
Yu. SVETLANOV - conductor
00:00 / 05:52 / 18:17 / 28:22
The ballet "Raymonda," created in 1898, is rightfully considered one of the pinnacles of 19th-century Russian ballet music. This large-scale work by composer Alexander Glazunov represents the pinnacle of his mastery, creating a vibrant, melodic, and incredibly inventive score. The libretto, developed by the renowned ballerina Marius Petipa, immerses the audience in a romantic story at the intersection of medieval chivalry and magical fantasy.

The plot revolves around the young Countess Raymonda, awaiting the return of her fiancé, the knight Jean de Brienne. Her peace is disturbed by the persistent Saracen Abderakhman, who attempts to abduct her. At the critical moment, the sorceress—the White Lady, patroness of Raymonda's family—comes to her aid, followed by Jean de Brienne himself, who defeats his rival in single combat. The ballet culminates in a lavish wedding in the royal castle.

However, the main character of "Raymonda" is Glazunov's music. The composer succeeded in creating not just rhythmic accompaniment for the dances, but a complete symphonic masterpiece. The music is distinguished by a wealth of orchestral colors, graceful melodies, and complex polyphonic structures. From the enchanting "Waltz" from Act I and the exotic "Oriental Dance" (Abderakhman's variations) to the monumental Grand Pas Classique Hongrois, all the pieces have become treasures of ballet music. It was in this final divertissement that Glazunov brilliantly stylized Hungarian folk motifs, creating one of the most recognizable and spectacular finales in ballet history.

Raymonda is an encyclopedia of classical dance, harmoniously combining impeccable classical dance, character dances, and pantomime. The ballet remains a cornerstone of the repertoires of the world's leading theaters, delighting audiences with its festive atmosphere, virtuoso roles, and timeless music, in which light and love triumph.

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