bertram

I cannot recall other productions of this ballet other than those mention. The ballet was originally performed in 1907 by Loie Fuller. Schmitt revised the score for Natasha Trouhanova in 1912 which was choreographed by Nicholas Guerra. In 1913 the Diaghilev’s company staged a version with the choreography by Boris Romanov starring Tamara Karsarvina. There was a Later production by Serge Lifar. Thank you for the information!

I recently came across a mention of La Tragedie of Salome composed by Florent Schmitt in 1907 for Loie Fuller. I understand Sergei Diaghilev had Boris Romanov choreograph it for Tamara Karsavina and she performed it on a number of occasions. Has it ever been performed since? Many thanks!

The problem with Giselle is that it DEMANDS dancers that are really good in acting roles. Is it small wonder why many old-time Russian balletomanes associate the main role with the legendary Galina Ulanova, considered by many to be the best ballerina with true acting skills? I've seen the movie of Ulanova in Giselle that was filmed in London in the middle 1950's and wow, her acting skills left nothing to be desired. I saw the Osmolkina/Sarafanov Giselle yesterday and thought it was wonderful. Osmolkina really seemed transported and transformed: so beautiful and living the part! Sarafanov was fantastic as well. Also, while Somova was listed as Myrtha, it definitely was not her.

Never buy tickets especially for a dancer when it's the Mariinsky, you will get disappointed because of last-minute cast changes But if one had the choice, I'd recommend (in this order): October 7, 2008 7:30PM Don Quixote Novikova-Sarafanov October 8, 2008 7:30PM Don Quixote Vishneva-Fadeev Novikova and Sarafanov are at this moment the best Don Q couple you may get at the Mariinsky. Tereshkina is about as close to Kitri as Lopatkina is to the Blue Angel. As for Giselle, I'd rather buy that second ticket of Don Quixote instead. I saw Don Q last night. It ended up being Vishneva with Lobukhin instead of Fadeev. Somova was Queen of the Dryads and Osmolkina did the Variation. Costumes were marvelous. There was some other conductor (not Gergiev) and I heard comments that the orchestra was playing too fast, but as a relatively new ballet lover I must say that it was wonderful! I am going to see Giselle on Saturday with Osmolkina and Sarafanov (not Shklyarov) and Somova as Queen of the Willis.

Thank you for the additional replies. It's all very educational to hear everyone's thoughts!

Well, so far it seems unanimous: Giselle with Osmolkina-Shklyarov and Don Quixote with Tereshkina-Lobukhin. I really appreciate the advice. I've been watching clips of all the dancers on You Tube, which may not have been the best way to arrive at a decision, especially since I am a comparatively recent fan and have not seen an immense number of ballets. From what I saw, I was really impressed with Lopatkina and Vishneva, although I can understand why Lopatkina might not be a typical Giselle, although I'd think that both Lopatkina and Nioradze in the second act would be lovely. Interestingly, I would have thought that Vishneva would have been the odds on favorite. Thank you again and I look forward to more comments! I am always happy to hear what people think!

I will be seeing the Kirov in Costa Mesa, CA in October. Can anyone tell me which Kirov Giselle and Don Q dancers would be best to see? Would love any opinions/thoughts/advice. Thanks!

I will be seeing the Kirov in Costa Mesa, CA in October> Can anyone tell me which Kirov Giselles and Don Q's would be best to see? Would love any opinions/thoughts/advice. Thanks!