Skazka o konke-gorbunke

This ballet, formed from a much beloved as well as archetypal Russian folk tale was created for the Bolshoi Ballet's Maya Plisetskaya by her husband, supremely skillful orchestrator Rodion Shchedrin, composer of the work. Lissome Plisetskaya's recognized strengths, here as the Queen Maiden, are clearly in evidence throughout the film: matchless elevation, splendidly disciplined movements, and emotional interpretation that covers a wide range. English ballerina Alicia Markova's published comment that Plisetskaya is incapable of completing fouettés is thoroughly discredited as the latter lightly tosses off more than the 32 of these demanding turns that have become traditional in the role of Odile in Le Lac des Cygnes, to which Markova refers. Plisetskaya is partnered here by a youthful Vladimir Vasiliev, (later both General, and Artistic, Director of the Bolshoi Theatre), whose acrobatic flair as Ivan is on display, his highly accomplished technique nearly matching in worthiness that of the great ballerina. Partly filmed during an actual performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow that utilizes original sets crafted for the piece, the narrative rhythm of the ballet is nearly daunted by an attempt to augment its essentially folkloric elements with primordial animation, in addition to superimposition and uninspiring table top models, but fortunately the narrative and dancing prevail. The Bolshoi's house Ballet Master, Alexandre Radunsky, not only choreographs and scripts the production, but also plays as the King, and Alla Scherbinina is wonderful as the Little Humpbacked Horse whose conjuring powers are of signal importance to Ivan, while the Bolshoi Corps and soloists are as accomplished as ever in secondary but crucial character parts. The film has no dialogue as produced by Mosfilm, and certainly none is required, but English language voice-over narration is added by Artkino and accompanies a Kultur release, not in the event inappropriate as it is spare while yet being descriptive of the storyline's progress. At any rate, all else fades from a viewer's attention when Maya Plisetkaya dances.

The Little Humpbacked Horse was completely new to me, and it is a ballet worth watching and listening to. Its story is simply told and very engaging from storytelling and emotional standpoints, and the music by Shchedrin is just beautiful. This performance from 1962 is a treasure, the animation is rather primitive and lacking in refinement but it is not enough to spoil anything. Especially when the dancing, choreography and seeing some of the best ballet dancers of the time(maybe even all time) are as incredible as they are. The costumes and sets have a simple charm to them, particularly in the underwater scene, which suited the story really well. The performance is well-filmed, and the technical values of the DVD are more than acceptable, there's been better but also worse. Shchedrin's music is performed by the orchestra with ravishing tone, good textural balances and musicianship, good sense of drama within the music and lightness of style when needed. The conducting not just accommodates the dancers but keeps the pace and drama moving. The choreography flows so smoothly with so much grace and elegance, not easy at all but it doesn't seem that way when you see how well it's danced. The dancing matches it, with an excellent Corps De Ballets and secondary roles, especially for the King and Stable Master. Maya Plisetskaya is just wonderful, her style is very fluid, her movements are poised and beautifully balanced while showing strength also, she is expressive and nuanced and her musicality is great. Vladimir Vasilev is youthful and ardent, showing a very clean technique and involved acting. Natalya Toborko's lifts and fast jumps and turns here are a source of wonder, and her performance is enchanting and makes the underwater scene as memorable as it is. Alla Scherbinina is a joy as well in the title role, heartfelt acting and elegant dancing. Overall, a little treasure as a ballet and production, worth the watch in particular for seeing Plisetskaya at her peak. 10/10 Bethany Cox