MakarovaFan

I just finished the first and long overdue biography of actor Patrick McGoohan. The book's title is 'Patrick McGoohan: Danger Man or Prisoner'. A wonderful read about a misunderstood, underappreciated and underrated artist.

I had the privilege and joy last night of hearing live the BSO's performance with the Tanglewood Chorus play the complete 'Daphnis & Chloe' under James Levine last night. Was anyone else there. Daphnis was one of the most stunning performances I've ever heard in a concert hall. Levine, the chorus and the orchestra were simply fabulous and it was great to hear the full score.

A major biography/memoir of Vladimir Vasiliev is desperately needed. I'm surprised nobody has chimed in on this. The fact that quite possibly the greatest male dancer of the century has no biography out there is a terrible shame. It would also be nice if Maximova's memoir 'Madame Nyet' would be translated and printed in the US. And I know this will never be, but a biography of Alla Shelest would be a neat read. Tanaquil LeClerq -- absolutely!

Thank you, rg.

Ekaterina Maximova and Maya Plisetskaya spring to mind. Alla Shelest too.

No, Mme. Hermine, it's not Fedotov. This conductor looks fairly young and has dark brown hair.

I think Vasiliev had beautiful proportions. Broad shoulders, handsome musculature, small waist.

Does anyone know who is the conductor on the dvd of the Kirov SWAN LAKE starring Mezentseva and Zaklinsky? Thank you.

Do Dvorovenko videos exist either for purchase or at the NY Public Library for viewing? Thank you!

God rest her soul.

Thanks Natalia. Ivan The Terrible will be released on Kultur.com and Amazon.com on July 31.

I just contacted VAI about their new ballet releases. VAI has no plans for a release of Ivan the Terrible at this juncture. Fragments of a Biography is now available for purchase. It is coupled with Trapeze, also starring Maximova and Vasiliev. We are also negotiating for a release of Romeo and Juliet with Maximova and Vasiliev.

Should I conclude that I was the only person who liked Irina's Odette/Odile on Monday night?

This is truly sad news. Sills has been the human face of the classical arts in America for almost as long as I can remember -- funny, warm, supportive, empathic, hard-working, no-nonsense, sharp as a button, and totally committed to her art and to the audience. A great lady -- in the American manner at its best. Bart put it so well. Sills is a great artist and advocate for the arts. I still think her Violetta is one if the best ever. Let's hope for a miracle that she beats this cancer. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

I'm wondering who are some of our favorite ballet conductors? Here are some of mine: Algis Zhuratis Viktor Fedotov Victor Shirokov John Lanchbery Kenneth Schermerhorn

I saw Dvorovenko's and Beloreskovsky's Swan Lake on Monday night. It was a wonderful performance overall. I watched McKenzie's production on PBS last year and wasn't impressed. Maybe it was Murphy's performance that turned me off, but Monday night was altogether different. Dvorovenko is a glamorous beauty. Her Odette was regal, stoic and thankfully she didn't overdo the swan mannerisms of arm flapping, etc. I wanted more pathos from her Odette, but she was still beautiful to watch. It was as Odile where she really came into her own; from the moment she came onstage she owned the theatre. She looked stunning in her black tutu and headdress. She was also imperious, sexy and untouchable as ice with fabulous technique. It was no wonder that her husband looked intoxicated by her. What totally floored me were her fouettes. Apart from Plisetskaya and Terekhova, I've never seen a ballerina attack, and I mean attack, fouettes as Dvorovenko did. They were lightning fast, precise and breathtaking. Beloreskovsky performance was excellent. He's elegant, a fine partner, a solid technician and so handsome. What a gorgeous couple he and his wife make. I liked the production overall, though Act IV was anticlimactic as usual. Like Amour, I enjoyed Yuriko in the Act I Pas de Trois. She has strong, lovely jumps and an appealing stage presence. I hope she goes on to continued success in her career. Hallberg was a good Von Rothbart even though I don't like his Russian Dance on principal.

I contacted VAI and found out that the "Gayne" DVD they're releasing features the Latvian ballet and was broadcast on Soviet Television. The producer of the “Khachaturian” documentary did not know where the “Gayne” excerpts came from, only saying it was a “folk” troupe.

Does anyone know if the Anisimova/Khachaturian full-evening ballet 'Gayaneh' is the same as the excerpts on the VAI Khachaturian documentary? Thanks in advance!

I saw Vishneva/Corella on Monday night. What a performance! Corella was the most romantic, tender, impassioned Romeo I've seen since Julio Bocca and his technique was stunning -- beautiful, lofty jumps and turns. He's a sublime dancer. This was my first sight of Vishneva. She's such a lovely dancer -- beautiful line, supple arms/back and totally absorbed in Juliet's drama. She lived the role as I've seen Ferri and Makarova live it. Hers was a gorgeous performance. I had a wonderful surprise after the performance. I was walking down Broadway with my boyfriend when we saw a small group with a gentleman carrying several big bouquets. I looked at the petite woman walking in front of him and recognized Vishneva. I approached Vishneva and thanked her for her beautiful performnce. She smiled and nodded -- I suppose she doesn't speak English. It was lovely to meet her.

Thank you, Natalia, for the heads up!

I was extremely disappointed not to see Vishneva last night and am crossing my fingers that she'll be well by next week's R&J. That being said, I wasn't moved by Julie Kent's Manon at all. She's a good dancer, but no actress. I preferred Marcelo Gomes who has elegant technique and kept my attention.

Hello All, Does anyone know where I can find Cecilia Bartoli's recital schedule in America for the 2007-08 season? Thank you!

This is such sad news. Rostropovich's artistry made me cry more times than I can count. I feel lucky to have been alive to hear him play. God rest his soul.

Thank you, Dale, for the heads up!!!!!

Thank you for the link, Dale!