Raymonda: Bolshoi Ballet

While I don't consider myself an expert on ballet- opera is more my expertise- I have loved it from an early age, especially the three Tchaikovsky ballets, Giselle and Coppelia. Raymonda I also like, though I don't hold it in nostalgic regard like the above. It isn't for everybody, some may not be entirely engaged by the I think beautiful but admittedly slight story, and Glazunov's music is just gorgeous. Apart from some too-dark lighting, this production from the Bolshoi was really delightful. The costumes and sets are beautiful, meshing wonderfully with the music. The orchestral playing has a lot of power and beauty of tone, and the conducting is appropriately incisive. As you'd expect from any ballet, the choreography is first-rate, full of elegance of grace. The dancing of it is equally great, the dancers making the choreography easier than it looks when technically as is the case with ballet it is far from easy. All the principals and dancers in general dance wonderfully and act their roles without a glint of coldness. Special mention goes to Ludmila Semenyaka who is just divine in the lead role, doing more than ideal justice to her many solos. Overall, a delightful production. 9/10 Bethany Cox