<<  -- 3 --  Robert Anderson    A VIRTUOSO PERFORMANCE

The cast has a superb tradition behind it, a fact aptly demonstrated by the main characters. As Hilarion the gamekeeper Yuri Vetrov has an attractive athleticism and impetuous loyalty to Giselle that should have prevented her deranged end; nor did he deserve his ultimate drowning by the Wilis in a local lake [watch and listen -- chapter 3, 2:52-4:20]. Yuri Vasyuchenko as Count Alberich from the background castle has the tougher assignment, both to act the peasant (no chance) and somehow extricate himself from the engagement to the high-born Bathilde, who has strength of character enough not to expire and become a Wili [watch and listen -- chapter 4, 4:21-5.36]. Giselle herself is the marvellous Natalia Bessmertnova, who gives a virtuoso performance of irresistible appeal [watch and listen -- chapter 6, 8:37-9:34]. The corps de ballet I much prefer while frolicking in harvest and vintage mood [watch and listen -- chapter 19, 41:06-42:17].

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