Raymonda

Bolshoi Theatre, Historic Stage, Moscow, Russia

Scene 1 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 2

Scene 2 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 3

Scene 3 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 4

Scene 4 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 5

Scene 5 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 6

Scene 6 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 7

Scene 7 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 8

Scene 8 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 9

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7 PM

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Important Info

Type: Ballet

City: Moscow, Russia

Starts at: 19:00

Acts: 3

Intervals: 2

Duration: 3h

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

Can I choose my seats?

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Overview

Before Tchaikovsky and Glazunov, ballet music, as a rule, was a brightly "colored" rhythmic basis for dances. The union of Marius Petipa and Tchaikovsky marked the beginning of the symphonization of dance, which greatly enriched its expressive and dramatic possibilities. Alexander Glazunov became a worthy successor to Pyotr Ilyich on this path.

Either languidly elegiac, or festively jubilant, spicy, "dance-like", permeated with Spanish-Arabic and Hungarian motifs, Glazunov's music allowed Petipa to unfold a number of magnificent dance suites. Banal phrases like “the triumph of classical dance”, its own apotheosis or parade were once alive and intact, and they were born precisely thanks to such performances. Only an outstanding troupe is capable of giving this parade, only an outstanding ballerina is able to perform her brilliant virtuoso part in this parade.

Raymonda premiered on January 7, 1898 at the Mariinsky Theatre. It was Glazunov's first ballet (it would be followed by two more, The Trial of Damis and The Four Seasons). And the last triumph of Petipa, who was already in advanced years. Although five more years will pass before his resignation from the post of chief choreographer and he will have time to stage several more ballets, including the two mentioned Glazunov, such a big success will not fall to his lot.

Version of 2003. Scenes in choreography by Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky used.

History

Premiere of this production: 19 January 1898, Imperial Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Raymonda is a ballet in three acts, four scenes with an apotheosis, choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Alexander Glazunov, his Opus 57. First presented by the Imperial Ballet at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre on 19 January [O.S. 7 January] 1898 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The ballet was created especially for the benefit performance of the Italian ballerina Pierina Legnani, who created the title role. Among the ballet's most celebrated passages is the Pas classique hongrois (a.k.a. Raymonda Pas de dix) from the third act, which is often performed independently.

Synopsis

Act I
Raymonda, the niece of the Countess Sybil de Daurice, а French noblewoman, is betrothed to Jean de Brienne.
De Brienne arrives at the castle. Не has come to bid farewell to Raymonda before leaving to go on а crusade led by the King of Hungary, Andrei II.
Raymonda says goodbye tо her beloved and the knight leaves the castle.
Night-time. Raymonda is carring into the enchanted garden of dreams. In her dreams Raymonda sees Jean de Brienne. The happy lovers are together again.
Suddenly Jean de Brienne disappears.
In his place Raymonda sees an Eastern knight whom she does not know. Не confronts her with а passionate declaration of his love. Raymonda is deeply perturbed and falls unconscious to the ground. The mirage vanishes.
Dawn breaks. Raymonda decides that the vision she had in the night is an omen.

Act II
Festivities are underway at the Dayrice castle.
Among the guests is the Saracen knight, Abderakhman, accompanied by а magnificent suite. Raymonda recognizes him to be the mysterious stranger of her dream. She is terrified. Abderakhman offers Raymonda power and riches in return for her hand and heart. Raymonda rejects Abderakhman. Enraged, Abderakhman tries to abduct her.
Suddenly knights appear. They have returned from the crusade. Jean de Brienne is among them.
King Andrei П suggests that Jean de Brienne and Abderakhman settle their diffеrences in single combat. Jean de Brienne gets the better of Abderakhman. The lovers are united.

Act III
King Andrei II blesses the marriage of Raymonda аnd Jеаn de Brienne. In honour of the King of Hungary, the wedding festivities are concluded by а big Hungarian dance.

Act I
Scene 1: Raymonda's feast

At the castle of Doris, preparations are under way for the celebrations of the young countess Raymonda’s name day. Countess Sybille, her aunt, chides those who are present, including Raymonda's two friends Henrietta and Clémence, and the two troubadours Béranger and Bernard, for their idleness and their passion for dancing, telling them of the legendary White Lady, the protector of the castle, who warns the Doris household every time one of its members is in danger and casts punishment on those who do not fulfil their duties. The young people laugh at the countess’s superstitions and continue to celebrate. The seneschal of the Doris castle announces the arrival of a messenger, sent by Raymonda's fiancé, the noble crusader knight, Jean de Brienne, bearing a letter for his beloved. Raymonda rejoices when she reads that King Andrew II of Hungary, for whom Jean de Brienne has fought, is returning home in triumph and Jean de Brienne will arrive at the Doris castle the next day for their wedding. Suddenly, the celebrations are interrupted when the seneschal announces the arrival of an uninvited Saracen knight, Abderakhman and his entourage, who have stopped at the castle seeking shelter for the night. Captivated by Raymonda's beauty, Abderakhman falls in love with her at once and resolves to do anything to win her. The party lasts late into the night and, left alone and exhausted by the day, Raymonda lies down on a couch and falls asleep. As she sleeps, she begins to dream that the White Lady appears illuminated by the moonlight and, with an imperious gesture, orders Raymonda to follow her.

Scene 2: The Visions

The White Lady, without making a sound, advances along the terrace. Raymonda follows her in a state of unconsciousness. At a signal from the White Lady, the garden is wrapped in mist. A moment later, the mist vanishes and Jean de Brienne appears. Overjoyed, Raymonda runs into his arms and they are surrounded by glory, knights and celestial maidens. The garden is illuminated by a fantastic light and Raymonda expresses her joy to the White Lady, who interrupts her enthusiasm with a vision of what awaits her. Raymonda wants to return to her fiancé, but instead, she finds Abderakhman, who has taken Jean de Brienne's place. Abderakhman declares his passionate love for her, but Raymonda, though confused and upset, is quick to reject him. Imps and elves appear from everywhere surrounding Raymonda, who begs the White Lady to save her and Abderakhman tries to take Raymonda by force. Raymonda cries out and falls to the ground in a faint. The frightful vision disappears along with the White Lady.

Act II
The Courtyard of the Castle

The feast in honour of Jean de Brienne's arrival is taking place. Raymonda welcomes her guests, but cannot hide her uneasiness caused by Jean de Brienne’s delay. Abderakhman approaches her repeatedly and reveals his passion for her, but remembering the warnings of the White Lady, Raymonda rejects him with contempt. Abderakhman becomes even more insistent and realises the only way to possess Raymonda is by force. He calls his slaves to dance for her, after which he summons his cup bearers and they pour a potion into everyone’s cup, causing all the guests to become drunk. Seizing his chance, Abderakhman grabs Raymonda in an attempt to abduct her, but luckily Jean de Brienne arrives just in time, accompanied by King Andrew II and his knights. Jean de Brienne saves Raymonda from the hands of the Saracens and tries to seize Abderakhman. The King commands the two rivals to put an end to the matter in a duel, during which the White Lady appears on the castle tower. Abderakhman is dazed and dies, slain by Jean de Brienne's sword. Raymonda joyfully embraces her fiancé and the two reaffirm their love as the King joins their hands.

Act III
The Wedding

Raymonda and Jean de Brienne are finally married and King Andrew II of Hungary gives the newly wedded couple his blessing. In his honour, everyone at court is dressed in Hungarian fashion and perform a range of Hungarian-style dances, ending in an Apotheosis where everyone comes together in a knightly tournament.

Venue Info

Bolshoi Theatre - Moscow
Teatralnaya Square 1

The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks, renowned for its grandeur, history, and artistic excellence. Located in the heart of Moscow, this legendary theatre has been home to unforgettable performances of opera and ballet for over two centuries. Its majestic architecture, world-class acoustics, and rich tradition make every event at the Bolshoi a truly unforgettable experience.

On 28 March (17 according to the old style) 1776, Catherine II granted the prosecutor, Prince Pyotr Urusov, the "privilege" of "maintaining" theatre performances of all kinds, including masquerades, balls and other forms of entertainment, for a period of ten years. And it is from this date that Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre traces its history.

The Bolshoi building, which for many years now has been regarded as one of Moscow’s main sights, was opened on 20 October 1856, on Tsar Alexander II’s coronation day.

On 29 October 2002 the Bolshoi was given a New Stage and it was here it presented its performances during the years the Main Stage was undergoing massive reconstruction and refurbishment.

The reconstruction project lasted from l July 2005 to 28 October 2011. As a result of this reconstruction, many lost features of the historic building were reinstated and, at the same time, it has joined the ranks of most technically equipped theatre buildings in the world.

The Bolshoi Theatre is a symbol of Russia for all time. It was awarded this honor due to the major contribution it made to the history of the Russian performing arts. This history is on-going and today Bolshoi Theatre artists continue to contribute to it many bright pages.

The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera are among the oldest and best known ballet and opera companies in the world. It is by far the world's biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers.

Important Info

Type: Ballet

City: Moscow, Russia

Starts at: 19:00

Acts: 3

Intervals: 2

Duration: 3h

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